# Real-world assets (RWAs)

Source URL: https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/real-world-assets-rwas
Updated: 2026-05-26T17:15:01.000Z
Letter: R

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Real-world assets, also known as RWAs, are tangible assets with intrinsic value that have been tokenized on a blockchain. This tokenization process involves creating a digital representation of a physical asset, like real estate, commodities, and debt instruments.

Tokenizing (or digitizing) assets allows for ownership, trading, and management on a blockchain, enabling increased liquidity, fractional ownership, and self-custody for greater utility.

An example of RWAs in the Bitcoin space is a promissory note, which is a type of debt instrument commonly used as collateral in emerging economies. In this particular instance, each note is cryptographically linked to a unique digital asset on the [Liquid Network](https://support.dxp-staging.blockstream.com/education/glossary/liquid-network). This enables the borrower to endorse the note to a lender and transfer the associated token to a new owner, mitigating the risk of rehypothecation.

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/glossary/FO82350175AC4_7.png)

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- [REST API](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/rest-api)
- [ROAST](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/roast)
- [Real-world assets (RWAs)](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/real-world-assets-rwas) (current)
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