Global Equity Tokenization on the Brink of Implementation Before October DTC Launch

The Emergence of Global Equity Tokenization

In a groundbreaking report released at the 10th Annual SAIFM Regulatory Summit, Turlov Family Office Securities (TFOS) has highlighted the significant strides made in the tokenization of equities. The report forecasts a crucial transition occurring in October 2026 with the Depository Trust Company's (DTC) anticipated full-scale launch of its tokenization service, marking a decisive moment for the financial services industry.

Understanding Tokenization in the Equity Market

Tokenization refers to the process where digital tokens represent ownership stakes in physical assets, in this case, equities. According to TFOS, the tokenized equity market reached a remarkable peak of $2.2 billion in July 2026, showcasing a growing adoption of this innovative model. Furthermore, there is a whopping $33.5 billion in liquid tokenized real-world assets currently available.

The report underscores the transition from regulatory discussions and pilot programs to a fully functional market infrastructure. This shift places pressure on brokers who must now navigate new settlement models. These changes will have a profound impact on custody, product design, client access, and disclosures in the equity market.

The Landscape in South Africa and Beyond

Tokenization in South Africa

South Africa is emerging as a significant player in the tokenization arena, having quickly approved 300 licenses for crypto asset service providers (CASPs) since June 2023. However, the market still lacks a dedicated regime for tokenized securities, although discussions regarding tokenized bonds are underway at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

Comparatively, TFOS's report positions South Africa alongside nations like Kazakhstan and Brazil, where rapid advancements in crypto asset regulation have outpaced the establishment of securities-tokenization infrastructure. The growth is represented by local pioneers like RainFin, which recently issued South Africa’s first R100 million in tokenized debt assets on its dedicated XCAP Network.