Episode 215 - Onchain Foundation - Tokenization Beyond Finance: How Web3 is Powering Impact and Innovation in Emerging Markets

For episode 215, we welcome Leon Waidmann, Head of Research at the Onchain Foundation, a nonprofit collective helping Web3 founders navigate the most important trends and opportunities in blockchain for global good.

Today’s episode is a masterclass on tokenization, and the future of real-world assets onchain. We explore how tokenized infrastructure is transforming access to capital in the Global South, why usability is the next frontier, and how new markets are emerging beyond finance.

You’ll learn:

• 🌍 How countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Indonesia, and Brazil are leapfrogging traditional finance by embracing Web3 tools like tokenized financial assets, and stablecoins
• 🧩 Why the future of tokenization lies not in creating more assets, but in abstracting access, improving usability, and unlocking tools for underserved communities.
• 📚 How tokenization is expanding beyond finance into identity, IP, education, and social capital, and why this could be the next trillion-dollar unlock for Web3 builders.

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--Key Takeaways--

💸 Stablecoins are just the beginning: In regions with unstable local currencies, stablecoins have become a critical store of value. Now, real-world asset tokenization is expanding into bonds, real estate, and gold, unlocking new financial opportunities for individuals historically excluded from traditional markets.

📱 Leapfrogging legacy finance: Just as emerging markets skipped landlines and went straight to mobile, they’re now bypassing outdated financial systems and embracing tokenization at a rapid pace. With fewer entrenched systems, these regions are becoming ground zero for Web3 adoption and innovation.

🔐 Beyond finance lies the next frontier: With proven infrastructure for financial tokenization, attention is turning to identity, intellectual property, and credit protocols. These new markets hold massive potential, but also require solving complex challenges around access, interoperability, and usability.

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--Full shownotes with links available at--
https://www.cryptoaltruists.com/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-215-onchain-foundation-tokenization-beyond-finance-how-web3-is-powering-impact-and-innovation-in-emerging-markets

Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market. 

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--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, do not take any of this as investment advice and make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruists.com/disclai