VanEck is stepping into the rapidly expanding real-world asset (RWA) tokenization space with the launch of its first tokenized U.S. Treasury fund, VBILL, aimed at institutional investors.
VanEck Joins the RWA Tokenization Race
The global investment firm announced on May 13 that it’s rolling out the VBILL fund in partnership with Securitize, a prominent asset tokenization platform. The fund will offer exposure to U.S. Treasury bills and will be available on Avalanche, BNB Chain, Ethereum, and Solana blockchains.
Minimum investment requirements vary by blockchain:
- $100,000 on Avalanche, BNB Chain, and Solana
- $1 million on Ethereum
By entering this market, VanEck joins the ranks of financial giants like BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and Apollo. These firms have recently launched similar tokenized investment vehicles, competing for a share in a market increasingly drawn to blockchain-enabled finance.
U.S. Treasuries Dominate Tokenized Asset Classes
Currently, tokenized U.S. Treasuries represent a $6.9 billion market, making them the second-largest category of tokenized real-world assets after private credit, according to RWA.xyz.
VanEck’s partner Securitize brings strong credentials to the collaboration, having tokenized more than $3.9 billion in assets. Last year, it raised $47 million in a funding round led by BlackRock, underscoring the growing institutional interest in blockchain-based finance.
Tokenizing real-world assets offers distinct advantages:
- Faster settlement times
- Lower operational costs
- Access to previously illiquid assets
These benefits are attracting more institutional players looking for efficient and transparent investment mechanisms.
SEC Chair Supports Onchain Securities Evolution
At a May 12 SEC roundtable, Chair Paul Atkins likened the shift to onchain securities to the transition from analog to digital music. “Just as digital audio transformed the music industry, blockchain could fundamentally reshape how we issue, trade, and manage securities,” he said.
Atkins also noted that blockchain opens the door to innovative market activities that current regulations may not yet address.
As VanEck launches VBILL, it becomes clear that tokenized RWAs are no longer just experimental tools—they’re emerging as critical instruments in modern portfolio strategy.
