The oldest assets on Earth are finally getting a modern upgrade. Gold, silver, and even key industrial metals are moving onto blockchain rails—quietly, steadily, and with major implications for markets, portfolios, and global supply chains.
In 2026, tokenized metals are shifting from “interesting experiment” to real financial infrastructure. Gold has passed $1B in tokenized value. Silver is accelerating fast. And industrial metals like copper, lithium, and nickel aren’t far behind.
Why now? AI is reshaping exploration. Digital twins are modernizing mines. Regulators are offering clearer frameworks. And institutions are preparing for a world where settlement happens in minutes, not days.
Los mercados de materias primas están entrando en una transición estructural. El oro, la plata, el cobre, el litio, el níquel, el cobalto e incluso los elementos de tierras raras están comenzando a migrar hacia la infraestructura de cadena de bloques. Esto no es un eslogan publicitario; es un rediseño lento pero real de cómo funcionan la propiedad, la liquidación y el uso de activos como colateral.
En 2026, lanzar é una serie de 52 semanas en BlockchainAIForum dedicada exclusivamente a los metales tokenizados—donde los activos duros se encuentran con los rieles digitales.
Por Qué Esto Importa Ahora
El oro tokenizado ha superado los $1,000 millones en circulación.
La plata tokenizada se acerca a los $200 millones.
Los metales industriales están en la fila siguiente.
La IA está transformando la exploración, la planificación minera y la visibilidad de las cadenas de suministro.
Los reguladores avanzan hacia marcos más claros para los activos digitales.
Para inversionistas, tesoreros y estrategas, los metales tokenizados combinan:
Respaldo físico verificable
Transparencia y auditabilidad en cadena
Liquidación global más rápida
Interoperabilidad con sistemas TradFi y DeFi
Lo Que Cubrirá Esta Serie
Metales preciosos en cadena (oro, plata, platino, paladio, rodio)
When you ponder commodity markets, do high-tech images flash across your mind’s eye? Probably not—and for good reason. Commodities markets are typically slow and lack innovation. That’s about to change! Gold, silver, platinum, palladium, copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and even rare earth metals are now beginning to move onto the blockchain—quietly, steadily, and with enormous long-term implications. Ironically, blockchain is poised to claim its title as one of the most transformative technologies by tokenizing society’s oldest real world assets—commodities. This is the moment blockchain fans have been anticipating—not silly crypto tokens, e.g., Pepe coin, Fart coin, and countless other nonsense. In 2026, this transformation will accelerate.
That’s why beginning January 7, 2026, I’m launching a new weekly series on BlockchainAIForum: 52 articles (perhaps more) dedicated exclusively to the rise of tokenized metals. Here we will explore the hard assets of yesterday, reinvented for the digital rails of tomorrow. Let’s start with why tokenized metals matter now.
Why Tokenized Metals Matter Now
Tokenized or not, metals matter. Essential for electricity, automobiles, computers, and countless other products, our modern society collapses in their absence. In fact, the U.S. Government keeps a list of 60 metals it considers critical to our economic welfare and security. Tokenizing ownership of metals for commerce is simply their next evolution. Consider this:
Gold has already passed $1 billion in tokenized value.
Silver is at nearly $200 million and climbing.
Copper, lithium, and energy metals are lining up next.
In other words: the tokenization of metals is already happening—right now—and the wave is still early. Moreover, AI has begun reshaping exploration and mining, and government regulation is pivoting from unclear to constructive.
With that as context, I say in a simple declarative sentence: the purpose of this series is to help you understand the future of metals and commodities on the blockchain, one week at a time.
Why I’m Writing This Series
I decided to write this series after discovering a gap in the market. The gap? No one is covering the tokenization of metals space comprehensively. The world is becoming digital, and so are commodities. Accordingly, investors today want assets that are:
real
transparent
portable
auditable
globally liquid
usable as collateral
compatible with both TradFi and DeFi
Tokenized metals check every box. Gold-backed tokens already operate on public ledgers. Silver tokens are emerging as a hybrid industrial–monetary asset class. Copper and lithium tokens could one day power EV supply chains. Institutions are quietly preparing for digital commodities. And tokenized assets are forecast to reach $10–15 trillion during the next decade. Most investors have no idea this is happening. This series will change that.
What This Series Will Cover
In 2026 the BlockchainAIForum will be exclusively dedicated to:
What to Expect Each Week — Free High-Quality Content
Every week you will receive content dedicated to tokenized commodities markets. The price? Free! Did I mention it’s free? Yes, free. Pick the media you prefer:
Deep, educational long-form articles on BlockchainAIForum.com
Short, fast LinkedIn versions
Micro-versions for Coinbase and other social media
Who This Series Is For
Are you a lifelong learner? Do you enjoy exploring big ideas? Does the idea of understanding emerging trends appeal to you? If you answered yes to any of those questions, this series is for you!
Investors
Advisors
Students of markets
Crypto newcomers
Metals analysts
Miners and engineers
Skeptics who demand real-world value
Readers curious about where technology is taking us next
2026 Will Be the Year of Digital Commodities
No surprise—gold was the first commodity to tokenize. After all, it is the world’s largest commodity asset. And as usual, silver, gold’s little brother, is right behind. Copper, lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements are lining up. That’s not all. The space has regulatory tailwinds. Mining has policy support for economic and security reasons. AI technology is transforming mining. And blockchain is transforming ownership.
In other words, the world is moving toward a future in which metals, not just money, live on digital rails. Let’s explore that frontier together.
Long before there were governments, banks, or stock brokers, gold was a universal store of value, a hedge against chaos, and a cornerstone of global wealth. When Columbus stepped onto San Salvador, (Bahamas today), indigenous people were using it even though they had no contact with Europeans, Asians, or Africans! Fast forward to 2025 and gold is stepping into the digital revolution through tokenization — a process that turns tangible gold into blockchain-based assets. Hope, you like the image above–I couldn’t resist the shine! lol. Let’s explore what tokenized gold is, how it works, its advantages and risks, and how you can buy it.
What Is Tokenized Gold?
Tokenized gold is a digital representation of physical gold stored in a secure vault. Each blockchain token corresponds to a fixed quantity of real gold — for example, one token per troy ounce or per gram. It’s essentially “physical gold + digital convenience.” Yesterday plus today! Instead of storing bars yourself, (a dangerous proposition) you hold a blockchain token backed by gold that a trusted custodian safeguards. Example: Tokens such as PAX Gold (PAXG) and Tether Gold (XAUT) represent legally redeemable ownership rights in physical gold stored in London or Switzerland. With me so far? Good, then let’s discuss how tokenized gold works.
How Does Tokenized Gold Work?
The five step sequence below is how the ecosystem functions. Essentially, this blend of blockchain transparency and physical backing gives investors a bridge between traditional assets and digital finance. Old gold bugs, sound money supporters, and young millennials can bond!
Gold acquisition: The issuer purchases and stores gold bars in accredited vaults.
Token issuance: Smart contracts mint tokens (often, but not exclusively, on the Ethereum network) that represent the stored gold.
Trading and transfer: Tokens can be traded 24/7 on crypto exchanges or used in DeFi platforms as collateral.
Auditing: The issuer publishes proof-of-reserve or third-party audit reports confirming every token is backed by real gold.
Redemption: Token holders may redeem tokens for physical gold or fiat value, depending on the issuer’s rules.
Advantages of Tokenized Gold
Tokenized gold merges the security of gold with the flexibility of crypto thus making it a winner. In essence, tokenized gold gives you instant liquidity, borderless mobility, and verified backing. The six reasons below should convince anyone:
Fractional ownership: You can buy tiny portions of gold — even milligrams — democratizing access.
High liquidity: Tradeable 24/7 on exchanges, unlike traditional gold markets that close daily.
Transparency: Blockchain records all transactions; most issuers provide public audits of gold reserves.
No physical storage hassle: Custodians handle vaulting and insurance while you manage digital keys.
Global reach: Anyone with internet access can invest, regardless of geography.
DeFi integration: Tokenized gold can be lent, borrowed, or used as collateral in smart contracts.
Disadvantages of Tokenized Gold
Despite the strong arguments for tokenized gold, let’s be honest, tokenization isn’t a perfect replacement for physical gold ownership. As always, do your own due diligence — trust, verification, and transparency matter as much as the gold itself. Consider these drawbacks:
Custodial risk: You must trust that the issuer’s vault actually contains the gold it claims. Use a reputable custodian.
Smart contract vulnerabilities: Bugs or hacks could impact your tokens.
Regulatory uncertainty: Laws governing tokenized commodities differ across countries. The good news is everyday uncertainty diminishes.
Redemption limits: Many issuers require high minimums or fees for physical withdrawal. I would love to have this problem–high quantities! lol.
Market volatility: Gold’s price can fluctuate, and so will the token’s value. However, market volatility applies equally to physical ownership also.
Where and How to Buy Tokenized Gold
Persuaded? If the answer is yes, consider using these ideas to purchase tokenized gold safely:
Research issuers and audits. Confirm the custodian, vault location, and audit frequency.
Choose a token:
PAX Gold (PAXG) – 1 token = 1 troy ounce of gold held by Paxos in London vaults.
Tether Gold (XAUT) – 1 token = 1 troy ounce of gold stored in Swiss vaults.
Select a platform: Tokens trade on major exchanges like Binance, Kraken, or Bitstamp. Not an endorsement.
Use a compatible wallet: Most tokenized gold runs on Ethereum (ERC-20), so use MetaMask, Ledger, or Trust Wallet. Again, not an endorsement.
Verify proof-of-reserves: Reputable issuers publish audits or on-chain verification data.
Consider redemption: Some issuers allow redemption for physical gold or cash once minimums are met.
Conclusion
Tokenized gold transforms the world’s oldest safe-haven asset into a liquid, programmable, and globally accessible form and that’s the reason for loving it! It allows investors to combine the enduring value of gold with the efficiency of blockchain. Yet, it’s not risk-free: smart-contract flaws, custodial opacity, or unclear regulations can all erode confidence. Tokenized gold sits at the intersection of trust and technology, and success depends on maintaining both. As the world continues merging traditional assets with blockchain infrastructure, tokenized gold offers a glimpse of how digital finance can modernize centuries-old stores of wealth.
On August 22, 2025, Grayscale filed an S-1 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch the Grayscale XRP Trust ETF. The SEC must decide whether to approve, or deny, Grayscale’s application by October 25th. That makes today a perfect moment to examine Grayscale’s S-1 application. I’ll focus exclusively on the section labeled Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations. Keep in mind, what you are about to read is based on the representations made by Grayscale management. Let’s dive in!
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A)
Structure and Purpose of the Trust
Grayscale, says the Trust is a passive investment vehicle designed to hold XRP. Its shares reflect the value of underlying XRP, less fees and liabilities. Furthermore, the Trust has no officers or employees; instead, it is managed by its Sponsor. Shares are issued in “Creation Baskets” and can be redeemed in exchange for XRP. No leverage or derivatives are employed, underscoring its conservative mandate.
Accounting Policies
The Trust applies U.S. GAAP investment company standards, claim Grayscale. Transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis, with realized gains calculated via specific identification. Valuation is derived from the principal market, determined annually and reviewed quarterly, with Coinbase identified as the key trading venue in recent assessments.
Financial Performance
2024 Inception Period (Sept–Dec 2024): XRP appreciated from $0.54 to $2.10. Net realized/unrealized gain was $7.27 million, driving net assets to $10.45 million by year-end. Approximately 5.0 million XRP were contributed in connection with Share creations.
First Half of 2025: XRP rose from $2.10 (Dec 2024) to $2.32 (June 2025). Three-month net gain: $1.26 million; six-month gain: $919,000. Net assets reached $12.89 million by June 30, 2025, reflecting both price appreciation and new XRP contributions.
Expenses: The only recurring cost is the Sponsor’s Fee, typically settled in XRP. About 100,000 XRP were liquidated for fees in the first half of 2025.
Liquidity and Cash Handling
The Trust does not hold significant cash balances except for temporary settlement of creations and redemptions, reports Grayscale. Its model minimizes exposure to fiat and focuses solely on XRP. The Sponsor absorbs nearly all expenses except for extraordinary costs, preserving predictability for shareholders.
Market Risks and Disclosures
The Trust neither borrows funds nor invests in derivatives. It faces risks primarily from XRP’s price volatility and regulatory uncertainty. Historical data show XRP’s price ranged from $0.50 to $3.29 between September 2024 and June 2025, with an average of $1.89.
Organizational Updates
In January 2025, Grayscale underwent an internal reorganization. Sponsorship shifted to Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC (GSIS), a subsidiary of Digital Currency Group. By May 2025, GSIS became the sole Sponsor of the Trust. This change did not materially affect operations.
Business Section
Trust Overview
Formed in Delaware in August 2024, the Trust’s mandate is to provide institutional-grade exposure to XRP. The Trust will trade under the ticker GXRP on NYSE Arca. Shares will be distributed in 10,000-unit “Baskets” to Authorized Participants, which can create or redeem shares in exchange for XRP or cash.
Investment Objective and Arbitrage Mechanism
The ETF aims to mirror the value of XRP held by the Trust, less expenses. The arbitrage mechanism—where Authorized Participants exploit discrepancies between market price and NAV—keeps the share price aligned with underlying XRP value. Shares may still trade at premiums or discounts, particularly during periods of thin liquidity or divergent trading hours between crypto markets and NYSE Arca.
Characteristics of the Shares
Accessibility & Cost Efficiency: Investors avoid the complexity of direct XRP custody.
Transparency: Listed on a regulated exchange, prices are visible and liquid.
Security: XRP holdings are stored in cold storage by Coinbase Custody, using multi-signature, geographically distributed vaults.
Minimal Credit Risk: The Trust does not lend or rehypothecate assets.
Custody and Security
Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC is the exclusive custodian. Keys are stored offline in distributed vaults. Transfers require multiple private key shards and verification protocols, reducing single-point-of-failure risks.
Trust Activities
The Trust’s activities include creating and redeeming shares, disposing of XRP for Sponsor’s fees, and distributing assets upon dissolution. It does not actively manage XRP or attempt to generate profits beyond price tracking.
Incidental Rights and Forks
The Trust has adopted a strict policy of abandoning all incidental rights, forks, or airdrops associated with XRP. This simplifies compliance but means shareholders will not benefit from potential windfalls.
Secondary Market Trading
While NAV is based on an index of five major platforms (Coinbase, Bitstamp, Kraken, Crypto.com, LMAX Digital), shares may trade at premiums/discounts on NYSE Arca due to liquidity gaps and non-overlapping trading hours.
XRP Industry Context
The filing outlines XRP’s origins and use case as a bridge currency for cross-border payments. Key details include:
Supply: 100 billion XRP were pre-issued; ~59 billion are circulating. Ripple Labs placed 55 billion XRP in escrow to manage supply release.
Use Case: XRP enables near-instant, low-cost cross-border settlements compared to traditional methods.
Network Governance: Validation relies on a Trusted Node List, with Ripple Labs running 1 of 35 validators.
Transaction Fees: Extremely low—0.00001 XRP per transaction—function as spam protection.
Regulatory Environment
The CFTC regulates XRP futures and considers XRP a commodity. The SEC’s stance remains uncertain; a ruling that XRP is a security could dissolve the Trust. In 2025, CME launched XRP futures, subject to heightened CFTC oversight.
Valuation and Index Methodology
NAV is calculated using the CoinDesk Ripple Price Index (XRX), which aggregates volume-weighted prices across exchanges. Methodology emphasizes compliance, liquidity, and AML/KYC adherence. Variances between platforms and the Index have been minimal, averaging less than 1%.
Competitive Differentiation
Grayscale highlights advantages such as institutional-grade custody, transparent methodology, direct XRP ownership, and a competitive fee structure.
Conclusion
Despite challenges such as volatility and regulatory uncertainty, Grayscale has positioned GXRP as a cost-efficient, institutionally secure gateway bridging digital asset markets and traditional securities exchanges, says management. However, investing carries risk, hence do your own research as nothing in this article constitutes financial or investment advice.
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