Tokenized Assets Dominate CEX Listings with 19% Share in H1 2026

In the first half of 2026, tokenized assets have emerged as the standout category on major centralized exchanges. Nearly 19% of all new listings are tokenized assets, a substantial jump from less than 7% in 2025. This shift marks a significant change from the trend of meme coins and GameFi tokens that previously led the market cycles.

Data from CryptoRank shows that 10 major exchanges processed 10,110 listings and 4,005 delistings, with tokenized assets making up the fastest-growing segment. Issuers like xStocks, bStocks, and Ondo are spearheading this surge. On-chain stocks have particularly gained momentum, reaching a value of approximately $1.85 billion, a 28.6% increase over just 30 days. These stock tokens also saw their monthly transfer volume jump 87% to $8.76 billion, and holder numbers rose by 24.5% to exceed 443,000.

Meanwhile, the speculative tokens market is losing its sheen. Meme coins have seen a drastic drop in listings, down 79% since Q4 2024. GameFi tokens aren't faring any better, with new listings plummeting 84% from their peak in Q2 2024. Delistings are also on the rise, highlighting a more discerning approach by exchanges. Gate alone removed 573 tokens in the first half of 2026, with DeFi, GameFi, and meme coins leading the removals.

Here's the thing: the market is shifting. Real-world asset tokenization is gaining ground because it's tied to tangible value, not mere speculation. The ROI isn't in the token. It's in the improved traceability and efficiency these assets bring. As exchanges focus on real usage, tokenized assets could maintain their lead into the next cycle, leaving speculative tokens in the dust.