tl;dr
Ant Group's CEO Han Xinyi emphasized a pragmatic approach to the token economy at the 2025 Inclusion·Bund Summit, focusing on real-world applications such as improving supply chains and reducing transaction costs. The company is exploring tokenization of real-world assets like real estate and carb...
**Ant Group's Cautious March into the Token Economy: Balancing Innovation with Pragmatism**
At the 2025 Inclusion·Bund Summit, Ant Group CEO Han Xinyi painted a picture of a token economy rooted in pragmatism, not hype. In a speech that felt less like a sales pitch and more like a roadmap, he emphasized that tokens must solve real-world problems—like streamlining supply chains or reducing transaction costs—rather than becoming playgrounds for speculation. “If a token can’t improve trust, efficiency, or cost management in industries like logistics or healthcare, it’s just digital fluff,” he said, a sentiment that echoed through the room.
**Tokens Focused on Real-World Utility**
Han’s vision isn’t about flashy NFTs or meme coins. Instead, he’s betting on tokens that bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds. Consider this: global Web3-native assets now top $3.8 trillion, but most of that value is trapped in trading platforms and wallets, with minimal interaction with the real economy. Ant Group, however, sees opportunity in that gap.
The company has spent years experimenting with tokenization, most recently through its RWA (Real World Asset) sandbox initiatives. These projects aim to turn tangible assets—like real estate or carbon credits—into digital tokens that can be traded, tracked, and managed more efficiently. “Imagine a farmer tokenizing a portion of their harvest,” Han explained. “That token could then be used to secure loans, reduce middlemen, and even be traded on a global market.” It’s a vision where blockchain isn’t just a buzzword but a tool for economic inclusion.
**Expanding Beyond Finance**
Han’s ambitions stretch far beyond traditional finance. He pointed to renewable energy and computing power as emerging frontiers for tokenization. For instance, a solar farm could tokenize its energy output, allowing users to purchase and trade renewable energy tokens directly. Similarly, data centers might tokenize their unused computing power, creating a marketplace for businesses needing temporary resources.
This expansion is fueled by advancements in blockchain infrastructure, AI, and IoT. Han noted that scalability improvements and privacy-preserving technologies like zero-knowledge proofs are making tokenization more secure and practical. “We’re not just digitizing assets,” he said. “We’re building systems that let industries operate faster, cheaper, and with more transparency.”
**Compliance as the Cornerstone**
But innovation isn’t the only priority. Han stressed that compliance and risk management are non-negotiable. “Regulation isn’t a barrier—it’s the foundation for trust,” he said. Ant Group has made it clear it won’t issue cryptocurrencies or jump on speculative bandwagons. Instead, it’s focusing on projects that align with China’s regulatory framework and serve real economic needs.
This cautious approach stands in stark contrast to the wild west of early crypto markets. Han acknowledged that the token economy is still in its infancy, with many unanswered questions about governance, security, and long-term value. “Stability and vision matter more than speed,” he said. “We’re building infrastructure, not chasing headlines.”
**The Road Ahead**
As the token economy evolves, Han’s message is clear: success lies in solving problems, not in creating noise. Ant Group’s focus on RWA, real-world utility, and regulatory alignment offers a blueprint for how blockchain can mature without repeating the mistakes of the past.
But the question remains: Will other players follow this measured path, or will the race for innovation outpace the need for caution? The answer may shape the future of the token economy—and whether it becomes a force for good or another speculative bubble.