The Truth About Real Estate Tokenization: Why It Hasn't Worked and What Needs to Change
In this episode of Old Men New Money, Ali Davoudi introduces the audience to module four of their educational series on digital securities, focusing on real world asset tokenization, specifically real estate. Ali explains why real estate tokenization, despite its exciting pitch of liquidity and fractional ownership, has largely failed due to regulatory complexities, liquidity illusions, and unclear value propositions. He offers insights into current approaches and suggests practical changes that could make real estate tokenization viable, such as focusing on tokenizing real estate funds or REITs and being honest about liquidity. Ali also shares lessons applicable to other asset classes and previews upcoming episodes covering tokenized treasuries, public equity, and private equity.
00:00 Introduction to Module Four: Real World Asset Tokenization
00:56 The Hype and Promise of Real Estate Tokenization
02:09 Why Real Estate Tokenization Has Failed
04:13 Structural Challenges in Real Estate Tokenization
05:57 Examples of Failed Tokenization Projects
07:52 What Needs to Change for Real Estate Tokenization to Succeed
09:49 Potential Models for Successful Tokenization
14:17 Lessons for Tokenizing Other Asset Classes
15:32 Investor Advice and Looking Ahead
18:08 Conclusion and Future Topics
