Ondo: Asset Tokenization Is Retracing the Early Path of ETFs

Odaily News – John Hoffman, Head of Product Portfolio at Ondo Finance, stated that the development trajectory of tokenized assets closely mirrors that of early ETFs: moving from initial skepticism and uncertainty toward broader market adoption.

Speaking at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium 2026, Hoffman noted that the 33-year evolution of ETFs is highly similar to the current progression of the tokenization market. He believes the market is once again witnessing how a new technology gradually transforms the financial landscape.

Hoffman joined Ondo a little over two months ago, bringing 18 years of experience in traditional finance, including leading Invesco's Americas ETF business. He remarked that ETFs also faced similar skepticism in their early days—questions about technical viability and what problems they truly solved—questions that are now being raised in the tokenized asset space.

Ondo began offering tokenized U.S. Treasury products with the launch of OUSG in early 2023. The fund provides institutional investors with exposure to short-term U.S. government debt. Hoffman stated that Ondo's U.S. Treasury products currently hold approximately $2 billion in total locked value. (The Block)