Citi and WisdomTree are moving digital assets from hype to infrastructure under the GENIUS Act, with banks weighing roles as custody providers, stablecoin issuers, and builders of hybrid products.

Beyond efficiency, tokenization is unlocking trapped value by creating unified rails for cash, securities, and other instruments and enabling programmable models like delivery-versus-payment.

WisdomTree has built Prime and Connect platforms to make tokenization seamless for clients, aiming to minimize the need for process re-engineering.

Collaboration and interoperability are a priority, including Citi’s participation in the Regulated Settlement Network to ensure technical, legal, operational, and business interoperability across open networks.

The industry outlook points to broader adoption of programmable models across asset classes and cross-blockchain interoperability, with CIDAP serving as a unifying infrastructure and winners emerging from seamless on/off-ramps and cross-chain accessibility.

Governance, talent, and risk management are the primary organizational challenges, requiring scalable, institutional-grade solutions with robust risk controls and a culture aligned for both crypto-native and traditional clients.

Citi’s CIDAP (Citi Integrated Digital Asset Platform) supports tokenization of money, securities, and other assets with 24/7 cash transfers and integration with existing products, without forcing clients to adopt new systems.

Near-term opportunities include pairing stablecoins with yield-bearing tokenized funds to create combined payment and income-generating assets, forming core components of integrated tokenized finance.

The takeaway is that digital assets are moving from pilots to production, delivering hard economics and competitive advantage through standardized, interoperable infrastructure.