Jesse Knutson on Tokenized Securities, RWAs, and the Future of Always-On Capital Markets | Ep. 511

In this wide-ranging interview, Jesse Knutson, Head of Operations at Bitfinex Securities, breaks down how tokenized securities, real-world assets (RWAs), and digital capital markets are rapidly reshaping global finance. Drawing on his background in traditional banking at Barclays and Macquarie, and his experience at Blockstream and Bitfinex, Knutson explains why tokenization is no longer just a crypto narrative, but a structural upgrade to financial infrastructure. From always-on markets and real-time settlement to capital access for underserved regions, he outlines how blockchain is redefining the way equities, bonds, and alternative assets are issued, traded, and accessed worldwide.

Tokenized Securities, RWAs, and the Future of Always-On Capital Markets

At the core of the conversation is the rise of regulated tokenization as the bridge between traditional finance and digital assets. Knutson explores how Bitfinex Securities is enabling tokenized equities, bonds, T-bills, Bitcoin hashrate contracts, and alternative assets like litigation finance and microfinancing bonds, unlocking global investment access beyond traditional banking systems. He explains why emerging markets are becoming unexpected leaders in tokenization, how always-on markets could absorb legacy systems like depository receipts, and why capital rotation, institutional adoption, and regulatory clarity are accelerating the shift toward onchain finance.

The interview also dives into the future of RWAs, Bitcoin-based tokenization, and the evolution of crypto market cycles, with Knutson offering a sober, long-term view on how tokenized equity, fixed income, and regulated digital markets will scale. From financial inclusion to institutional infrastructure, the conversation paints a clear picture of a new financial system emerging, one where tokenized securities, continuous markets, and blockchain-native capital formation become the foundation of global finance.