Real-world assets (RWA) have become one of the most discussed narratives within the crypto ecosystem, yet many projects focusing on these assets face significant hurdles that limit their ability to scale effectively. Abdul Rafay Gadit, Co-Founder of ZIGChain, recently shared his insights in a discussion titled “What’s Next for Crypto in 2026?”, highlighting that the struggles of RWA initiatives stem not from technological shortcomings but rather from critical gaps in infrastructure, misaligned incentives, and the absence of a clear commercialization strategy.
Drawing on his extensive experience building blockchain infrastructure at scale and leading investments through Disrupt.com—formerly Gaditek—a venture builder with over $850 million under management, Gadit brings a grounded perspective to the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of crypto. Additionally, his role in supporting ecosystems through a $100 million fund focused on RWAs further reinforces his expertise in understanding what drives adoption, liquidity, and sustainable long-term value within the sector.
During the conversation, moderated by Ahmed A Shafi, Chief Strategy Officer at ZIGChain, Gadit emphasized that many RWA projects often overlook the importance of building a robust and scalable infrastructure that supports seamless integration with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and next-generation wealth-creation mechanisms. Without addressing these foundational issues, even the most innovative technological solutions are unlikely to achieve widespread market traction.
Moreover, the misalignment of incentives among stakeholders presents another critical obstacle. Gadit points out that aligning the goals of asset originators, investors, developers, and regulators is essential to fostering trust and cooperation within the ecosystem. Without a coordinated approach, projects risk fragmentation and diminished value creation.
Central to overcoming these barriers is the development of a clear and pragmatic commercialization strategy. Gadit advocates for projects to focus on creating real-world use cases that demonstrate tangible benefits, thereby attracting liquidity and encouraging sustained engagement from both institutional and retail participants. By prioritizing these strategic elements, RWA initiatives can move beyond speculative interest and establish themselves as fundamental components of the evolving crypto landscape.
The discussion also explored the broader trajectory of RWAs, DeFi, and next-gen protocols in 2026, emphasizing the need for collaboration between technical innovation and business acumen. Gadit’s insights serve as a valuable guide for startups, investors, and ecosystem builders aiming to navigate the complexities of tokenizing real-world assets and integrating them into decentralized financial systems.
As the crypto industry continues to mature, understanding the interplay between technology, incentives, and market strategies will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of real-world assets. Gadit’s perspective underscores the importance of addressing these interconnected factors to foster sustainable growth and meaningful impact in the crypto space.
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