Crypto Exchange Mercado Bitcoin to Tokenize $200M in Real-World Assets on XRP Ledger
Mercado Bitcoin, a prominent Latin American cryptocurrency exchange, is significantly expanding its presence in the rapidly growing market of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). The company announced plans to tokenize over $200 million worth of fixed income and equity instruments on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). This initiative represents one of the largest RWA tokenization efforts undertaken by a Latin American institution on the XRPL to date.
This strategic move aligns with the broader industry trend of increasing RWA tokenization. A 2025 report by Ripple and the Boston Consulting Group projects explosive growth in this sector, estimating a market expansion from approximately $0.6 trillion in 2025 to nearly $19 trillion by 2033. Mercado Bitcoin’s experience in this area is substantial, having previously tokenized over BRL$1 billion (roughly $185 million) in private credit assets. This prior success showcases the company’s expertise and established infrastructure within the RWA tokenization space.
The exchange’s robust ecosystem further enhances its capabilities. It connects to a network encompassing over 70 central banks, regulators, and major financial institutions worldwide, underscoring its commitment to regulatory compliance and industry best practices. This broad network fosters trust and facilitates seamless integration within the global financial system.
Ripple, a key developer of the XRPL, is actively supporting Mercado Bitcoin’s initiative. The two companies have a history of collaboration, including Mercado Bitcoin’s utilization of Ripple Payments for efficient cross-border treasury flows between Brazil and Portugal. Furthermore, Mercado Bitcoin lists RLUSD, an enterprise-grade USD-denominated stablecoin, on its platform, highlighting the synergistic relationship between the two organizations.
Silvio Pegado, Ripple’s managing director for Latin America, emphasized the significance of this partnership. He stated that Mercado Bitcoin’s integration with the XRPL demonstrates the growing trust institutions place in public blockchain infrastructure as a reliable foundation for bringing regulated financial products to market. The XRPL’s capabilities, according to Pegado, allow for efficient on-chain asset representation, meeting institutional demands for cost-effectiveness, speed, and compliance. This collaboration positions Mercado Bitcoin as a leader in Latin America’s evolving RWA tokenization landscape.
