Seven Chinese Financial Associations Declare RWA Tokenization Illegal

By: crypto insight|2026/01/06 10:30:07
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Key Takeaways

  • Seven major Chinese financial associations have declared Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization illegal, reflecting its categorization as a high-risk financial activity.
  • The joint statement by these associations underscores that RWA activities lack legal grounding under Chinese law and are viewed as fraudulent rather than legitimate financial technologies.
  • The notice emphasizes that the issuance of RWA tokens can lead to charges of illegal fundraising and unauthorized securities offerings under existing Chinese law.
  • Authorities in China are extending accountability for illegal RWA activities to the entire Web3 ecosystem, including domestic and international service providers.
  • The announcement comes as China enhances its digital yuan initiatives, amidst enforcement measures to curb illegal financial activities involving virtual currencies.

WEEX Crypto News, 2026-01-06 10:08:53

In a significant stride to curb virtual currency activities, seven prominent Chinese financial associations have unequivocally declared the tokenization of Real-World Assets (RWA) as illegal. This move comes in the wake of China’s intensified stance on illegal financial activities, including a ban on cryptocurrency trading. These unprecedented measures aim to address the dual concerns of financial security and regulatory compliance.

Defining the Boundaries: Why RWA Tokenization Faces Legal Challenges

The joint declaration by the China Internet Finance Association, China Banking Association, China Securities Association, China Asset Management Association, China Futures Association, China Association of Listed Companies, and China Payment and Clearing Association marks a clear boundary for financial activities in the country. They have emphatically stated that RWA tokenization, alongside stablecoins and so-called worthless cryptocurrencies, constitutes a form of illegal financial activity.

This statement details that the process of tokenizing real-world assets involves trading and financing via tokens or similar instruments, posing several risks. Among these are the possibilities of asset fabrication, business collapse, and speculative bubbles. Such risks, if left unchecked, could potentially lead to systemic financial instability.

The Chinese authorities have explicitly noted that no RWA-related activities have received approval from the country’s financial regulators. This stance starkly contrasts with the more open regulatory environments of countries like Singapore, which is projected to lead the world in RWA adoption by 2025. In China, such tokenization efforts are perceived not as innovative financial technology but as deceptive mechanisms waiting for exploitation under the guise of progress.

Understanding the Legal Implications of RWA Activities

Central to the crackdown on RWA tokenization is the categorization of these activities under existing securities and criminal laws in China. Projects that issue tokens to the public while simultaneously raising funds expose themselves to illegal fundraising charges. Additionally, the facilitation of token transactions without requisite permissions amounts to unauthorized public securities offerings. These offenses are explicitly detailed in China’s Criminal and Securities Laws, reflecting a robust legal framework designed to curb emerging financial threats.

Moreover, RWA projects that employ leverage or betting systems could be prosecuted under illegal futures business operations. This highlights the broad spectrum of potential legal challenges facing RWA initiatives in China.

It is important to note that RWA token structures, despite guarantees of genuine asset backing and transparent technology, cannot assure legal ownership or asset liquidation. The authorities argue that this uncertainty leads to uncontrollable risk spillover, further justifying their stringent regulatory approach.

The Wider Implications for China’s Financial Ecosystem

The reinforcement of these legal positions is not without consequence. China’s securities regulators are reportedly urging domestic brokerages in Hong Kong to cease their RWA tokenization operations. This particular move aims to prevent circumvention of mainland Chinese laws through narratives like “real-world asset anchoring” and “overseas compliance paths.”

This regulatory wave is not limited to direct RWA project operators alone. The entire Web3 ecosystem that supports these activities is under scrutiny. This includes tech service providers, marketing agents, and even individuals who knowingly, or should have known, contribute to these operations. The “knowing or should have known” clause reflects a shift towards holding all involved parties accountable, circumventing traditional defense of ignorance or omission.

The result is a comprehensive enforcement approach that dismantles the local Web3 service chain based on RWA support. By doing so, China aims to stifle any fraudulent activities masking as legitimate endeavors under the guise of RWA tokenization.

Aligning With Broader Economic and Financial Strategies

This regulatory stance aligns with China’s broader economic strategies, particularly in enhancing its digital currency — the digital yuan. Concurrent with the crackdown on RWA activities, Chinese investors have notably increased their financial involvement by injecting $188 million into digital yuan stocks. This move follows the People’s Bank of China’s announcement of interest-bearing CBDC wallets expected to launch in January 2026.

The juxtaposition of these regulatory efforts with China’s initiative to solidify the digital yuan reflects a strategy to prioritize national currency stability over unregulated and potentially disruptive financial innovations. As part of these efforts, initiatives like the new Shanghai operations center are poised to internationalize the digital yuan by enhancing cross-border payments and blockchain services.

Simultaneously, these strategies reinforce China’s grip on currency issuance, demonstrated by restrictions imposed on influential tech firms such as Ant Group and JD.com from issuing stablecoins in Hong Kong. This is aimed at preserving the central bank’s monopoly on currency issuance and maintaining economic control.

Conclusion

The recent declarations by China’s financial associations on RWA tokenization are indicative of a deliberate, cautious approach towards integrating new financial technologies into the national economic fabric. By categorizing these tokenization efforts as fraudulent rather than innovative, China underscores its commitment to protecting its financial system from instability and risks associated with novel technological solutions that lack substantive regulatory backing.

In an era where digital economies are rapidly evolving, the dichotomy between innovation and regulation becomes starkly apparent. China’s stance exemplifies the challenges faced by nations in balancing technological advancement with economic integrity and security. For global observers and participants in the digital currency space, this serves as a critical case study in regulatory rigor and strategic financial planning against the backdrop of burgeoning technological potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization?

RWA tokenization is the process of representing physical assets as digital tokens on a blockchain, which can then be traded or used in financial transactions. These tokens are meant to reflect ownership of real-world assets.

Why has China declared RWA tokenization illegal?

China has declared RWA tokenization illegal due to concerns over financial stability and regulatory compliance. The authorities perceive such activities as high-risk and potentially fraudulent, categorizing them under illegal fundraising and unauthorized securities offerings.

How does this affect the broader Web3 ecosystem?

China’s regulatory stance impacts the entire Web3 service chain supporting RWA activities. Service providers, including technology firms and marketing agents, can face legal consequences if involved with these activities, significantly reducing the viability of such services within China.

How does this decision align with China’s digital yuan initiatives?

The crackdown on RWA tokenization complements China’s efforts to promote the digital yuan. By prioritizing regulated digital currency initiatives, China aims to ensure financial security while fostering technological innovation within a controlled environment.

What are the potential legal risks associated with RWA projects in China?

RWA projects in China face multiple legal risks, including charges related to illegal fundraising, unauthorized securities offerings, and illegal futures business operations. These risks stem from the lack of guaranteed legal ownership and asset liquidation assurances within RWA token structures.

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