Is Tokenization the Future? | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026

The panel explores the potential of tokenization to revolutionize global finance, weighing its benefits against emerging threats. Tokenization promises increased financial inclusion, reduced transaction costs, and greater access to diverse investments, including alternatives. Concerns arise around the privatization of money, potential loss of sovereignty, and the need for robust regulation to ensure trust and financial stability. The discussion covers the roles of stablecoins, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and the importance of interoperable infrastructures. Examples include Europe's pioneering work on wholesale CBDCs and the potential for a Bitcoin standard to challenge fiat currencies. The panel also debates whether stablecoins need to pay interest to be competitive and the balance between innovation and regulation.