In 2026, into the era of 24-hour capital markets and cognitive focusing: the structural transformation brought about by tokenization

2026 marks a turning point for capital markets to undergo a fundamental transformation. As the principles of market operation that have been fixed for more than a century are rapidly collapsing, investors and institutions are being called for a new cognitive focus. The acceleration of tokenization will shorten payment cycles from days to seconds, forcing institutional investors to radically restructure their operational structures.

Cognitive Adaptation to the Market 24/365 - Challenges for Institutional Investors

Traditional capital markets have functioned on the old premise of limited access, batch processing of price discovery, and idle collateral. However, this premise is rapidly collapsing. As tokenization fundamentally changes the structure of the market, the biggest challenge facing institutional investors is not just a technical response, but a shift in cognitive focus on emerging market dynamics.

In a market that operates 24/365, traditional capital allocation strategies will not work. Currently, institutional investors place assets in advance days in advance and take 5~7 days to onboard to a new asset class. However, in a tokenized environment, collateral becomes fungible and settlements are completed in seconds, allowing for continuous redistribution of portfolios.

To keep up with this shift, risk management, finance, and payments operations teams must move from separate batch processing cycles to continuous processes. This means 24-hour collateral management, real-time AML/KYC, digital custody integration, and accepting stablecoins as a functional and liquid payment method. Institutions that succeed in this shift in cognitive focus will gain a structural advantage in the new era.

The Cognitive Landscape of Tokenized Capital Markets: A Vision into 2033

The growth of the tokenization market is exponential. According to a joint forecast by BCG and Ripple, the tokenized asset market is expected to reach $18.9 trillion by 2033. This growth rate stands at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 53%, not just a speculative prediction but a logical estimate based on capital market efficiency initiatives such as electronic trading, algorithmic execution, and real-time settlements over the past 30 years.

To put it even bolder, by 2040, 80% of global assets could be tokenized. Just as mobile phones and air travel have been adopted in an S-curve, tokenization will also enter a period of rapid adoption. This transition extends beyond mere expansion of trading hours; Capital efficiency itself will improve dramatically.

The 24/365 market frees up capital that was tied to traditional settlement cycles (T+2 and T+1). Stablecoins and tokenized money market funds will become nodal organizations between asset classes, enabling immediate capital transfers between traditionally fragmented markets. Secondary effects on liquidity are accelerated, with deeper order books, increased transaction volumes, and reduced settlement risks, accelerating the turnover of digitized and fiat currencies.

Regulation and Execution Strategies Under Market Consolidation

This structural transformation is no longer in the theoretical stage. The infrastructure is already taking shape, with regulated custodians and credit intermediary solutions moving from proof-of-concept to full-scale operation.

Specifically, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) has launched instant 24/365 brokerage account funding with USDC, with support for Ripple’s RLUSD and PayPal’s PYUSD coming nearby. This is not just a one-company initiative but a clear testament to the fact that mainstream financial institutions have begun to integrate digital assets in earnest.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval for Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) to develop a securities tokenization program that records ownership of stocks, ETFs, and government bonds on the blockchain indicates that the regulator is seriously considering this convergence. While further regulatory clarity is essential ahead of full rollout, institutions that are early in building operational capacity will be well-positioned to respond quickly once the framework is established.

Second Year 2026 - Cognitive Challenges and Prospects Facing the Industry

2025 was the “year of the freshman” for crypto assets. On the occasion of Donald Trump’s second inauguration, expectations have arisen that regulatory ambiguity and tightening will be replaced by legislative and structural progress. However, the reality was not as simple as expected. The year 2025, which began with a strong post-election rally, was a year to learn harsh lessons, with the tariff panic and subsequent market corrections causing Bitcoin to fall below $80,000 and Ethereum to around $1,500.

2026 will be the second year in this maturation process. Now that we have mastered the foundational knowledge and become familiar with the environment, the challenge facing the industry lies in the execution strategy to build, grow, and specialize. To do this, you need to do it correctly at a few key points.

First,Legislation and regulationis. The CLARITY bill is expected to have a difficult road, and the controversy surrounding stablecoin rewards has already complicated the timeline. In order to move forward with important bills, it is essential to put aside minor issues and compromise.

Secondly,Multi-layered distribution channelsis. The most fundamental challenge for crypto assets lies in building meaningful distribution channels other than proprietary traders. Institutional acceptance will not directly translate into improved institutional performance until retail, mass affluent, high-net-worth and institutional investors have the same allocation incentives as other asset classes. Financial products must be sold in order to be used.

Third,Quality-Focused Strategyis. The relative performance of CoinDesk 20 and the mid-cap CoinDesk 80 suggests that larger, higher-quality digital assets will continue to dominate. The top 20 stocks – currencies, smart contract platforms, DeFi protocols, and infrastructure cornerstones – have a breadth that provides sufficient diversification and new themes without cognitive overload.

The market has always evolved towards wider access and lower friction

Tokenization is the next step in that evolution. The weekend distinction will disappear, and the market will be rebalanced rather than closed. The success of this shift in cognitive focus on this paradigm shift will determine the future of institutional investors.

By 2026, the question will not be whether the market is operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but whether your institution can keep up with it. If you can’t, you may not be part of this new paradigm. The market is constantly evolving.