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Policy

Tokenized Money Market Funds: How They Work

Last updated: November 3, 2026 Tokenized money market funds are money market funds whose ownership records are kept partly or fully on a crypto network, according to the SEC. Their shares rep

AnonymousCryptoCompass newsroom
November 3, 2026
6 min read
NEWS
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Last updated: November 3, 2026

Tokenized money market funds are money market funds whose ownership records are kept partly or fully on a crypto network, according to the SEC. Their shares represent an interest in a regulated investment fund. A token is a digital way to record or transfer that ownership.

Key Takeaways

  • Tokenization changes how fund ownership is recorded, not what the fund is or how cash redemption generally works.
  • Blockchain transfers may run around the clock, but cash redemption can take one to two business days.
  • Access, transfer rules, fees and eligible investors depend on the fund and its offering documents.
  • Blockchain, fund, liquidity and regulatory risks remain relevant.

What tokenized money market funds represent

A money market fund is an investment fund. In a tokenized version, a crypto network records some or all of the fund’s share ownership. The token isn’t automatically a stablecoin or bank deposit. Its rights depend on the fund’s structure and governing documents.

The SEC defines these funds by their recordkeeping system: ownership is recorded “in whole or in part” on or through one or more crypto networks. The underlying fund remains the investment, while the blockchain records ownership or supports transfers.

Networks and access rules vary. The European Central Bank reported that these funds are issued mainly on public, permissionless blockchains, especially Ethereum, with activity also on BNB Chain, Stellar, XRP Ledger and Arbitrum. Some restrict peer-to-peer transfers or allow them only between authorized investors.

Fund prospectus and blank access card illustrating ownership records and investor eligibility Fund terms determine who may hold or transfer tokenized shares.

How transfers and redemptions work

Tokenized shares do not make cash instant

Blockchain-based shares can be transferred whenever the network and fund rules permit. But transferring a token isn’t the same as redeeming shares for cash. The Federal Reserve says shares can transfer on a blockchain 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while cash redemption typically takes one to two business days.

To receive cash, a holder follows the fund’s redemption process. The Federal Reserve notes that these funds are subject to SEC Rule 2a-7. Blockchain records may update quickly, but tokenization doesn’t remove the steps involved in redeeming an investment.

A peer-to-peer transfer may settle on-chain outside business hours, but the recipient must still meet the fund’s eligibility requirements. An on-chain transfer does not itself provide immediate access to cash.

A quiet redemption counter illustrating the difference between token transfer and cash redemption An on-chain transfer and a cash redemption are separate steps.

How tokenized funds differ from conventional funds

The main difference is the ownership record and transfer method. Conventional funds may use traditional account and transfer systems; tokenized funds record ownership, fully or partly, on a crypto network. Tokenization alone doesn’t mean a fund has different holdings, lower costs or better liquidity. Check those details in the fund’s disclosures.

A token also isn’t necessarily transferable to any wallet. The ECB says some products limit transfers to authorized investors. A fund may use a transfer agent or tokenization provider for parts of the process.

BlackRock announced two tokenized money-market products on August 3, 2026. The company said on-chain shares of its existing BlackRock Select Treasury Based Liquidity Fund use Ethereum, with BNY as transfer agent and tokenization provider. For its new BlackRock Daily Reinvestment Stablecoin Reserve Vehicle, Securitize serves those roles.

Examples and market size

Franklin Templeton said its Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund, represented by the BENJI token, launched on Stellar in 2021. The company called it the first U.S.-registered mutual fund to use a public blockchain as its official system of record. Franklin Templeton reported $1.98 billion in assets under management for the BENJI suite as of April 29, 2026.

The SEC counted nine tokenized money market funds with $2.731 billion in net assets in September 2026, up from $1.478 billion a year earlier. The ECB reported that the market grew about 110% during 2025, while remaining much smaller than conventional money market funds.

Product figures are dated and can change. WisdomTree listed $668.1 million in assets for its Treasury Money Market Digital Fund as of October 30, 2026. Its page showed a $1.00 net asset value as of October 6 and a 3.78% seven-day yield as of October 29. The 3.78% figure is a seven-day yield reported as of that date.

Institutional vault and network equipment representing fund, custody and technology risks Tokenized funds still depend on financial and technical infrastructure.

Risks and details to check

Tokenization doesn’t remove risks from the underlying fund. Its value and liquidity can be affected by its assets and market conditions, and investors can lose money. Redemption timing matters if someone expects an on-chain transfer to work like an instant cash withdrawal.

Technology and access risks matter too. A network outage, wallet problem, smart contract flaw or service-provider failure could disrupt transfers or access. Issuer and custody arrangements, transfer restrictions, and changes to regulation or fund terms also matter. Scams may imitate legitimate fund tokens, so a token’s name or appearance alone doesn’t prove it’s genuine.

Read the prospectus and official transfer and redemption rules for a specific product. Check who can hold or receive its token, which network it uses and how to request cash. This is general information, not personal financial advice. Rules differ by country; consult a qualified professional about legal or tax questions.

Frequently asked questions

Are tokenized money market funds the same as stablecoins?

No. A tokenized fund share represents an interest in a money market fund, subject to its terms. A stablecoin is a different type of digital asset. The word “token” alone doesn’t explain the rights or redemption options.

Can tokenized money market funds be transferred at any time?

Some blockchain transfers can happen around the clock, according to the Federal Reserve. But a fund may restrict peer-to-peer transfers or allow them only between authorized investors, the ECB has reported.

How long does it take to redeem tokenized fund shares for cash?

The Federal Reserve says cash redemption typically takes one to two business days. Timing and procedures vary, so consult the fund’s official documents for its process.

Are tokenized money market funds risk-free?

No. Tokenization doesn’t eliminate investment, liquidity, technology, custody or regulatory risks. The fund’s terms and assets matter, and investors may lose money.

Sources

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile; always do your own research before investing.