Ondo (ONDO): Tokenizing Real-World Assets on the Blockchain

Sep 1, 2025

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2 min. read

What Is Ondo (ONDO)?

Ondo Finance is a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform founded in 2022 with a mission to democratize access to institutional-grade financial products. By tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs) such as U.S. Treasuries, ETFs, and mutual funds, Ondo bridges the gap between traditional finance and blockchain.

At the center of this ecosystem is the ONDO token, which grants governance rights within the Ondo DAO. Holders can influence the direction of Flux Finance, a decentralized credit marketplace, as well as broader protocol decisions. This community-driven model ensures transparency and accountability as Ondo continues to grow.

How Does Ondo Finance Work?

Ondo’s technology blends blockchain security with real-world financial applications. Its core innovations include:

  • Ondo Chain – A proof-of-stake blockchain purpose-built to host tokenized financial products.

  • Cross-Chain Settlements – A first-of-its-kind Delivery-versus-Payment (DvP) settlement, in partnership with Chainlink and JPMorgan’s Kinexys, enabling secure swaps between public and permissioned blockchains.

  • Tokenized Treasuries (OUSG) – A token backed by short-term U.S. Treasuries, now trading on Ripple’s XRP Ledger with 24/7 minting and redemption through RLUSD.

Together, these innovations give investors access to assets that were once gated by geography, regulation, or institutional exclusivity.

Real-World Applications of Ondo

Ondo is not just a technical experiment—it is already reshaping how financial markets operate. Its real-world applications include:

  • Ondo Global Markets: A platform giving non-U.S. investors access to tokenized U.S. securities.

  • Global Markets Alliance: An industry coalition with Solana Foundation, Bitget, Trust Wallet, Fireblocks, and more, designed to improve interoperability, liquidity, and custody standards for RWAs.

  • Catalyst Fund: A $250 million initiative launched with Pantera Capital to accelerate the adoption of tokenization.

  • Institutional Partnerships: Collaborations with firms like Coinbase, BlackRock, and Morgan Stanley strengthen Ondo’s bridge to traditional finance.

Key Milestones in Ondo’s Journey

Since its founding, Ondo has achieved a rapid series of milestones:

  • 2022: Launch of the ONDO token and Ondo DAO.

  • 2023–2024: Expansion into Flux Finance and tokenized U.S. Treasuries.

  • 2025: OUSG goes live on Ripple’s XRP Ledger, Ondo TVL surpasses $1.4 billion, and Ondo Global Markets launches.

These milestones highlight Ondo’s ability to execute quickly while setting new benchmarks for real-world asset adoption in DeFi.

The Role of the ONDO Token

The ONDO token is more than a governance asset—it is the backbone of community participation in Ondo’s ecosystem. Token holders can:

  • Propose and vote on governance decisions.

  • Shape the direction of Flux Finance.

  • Participate in resource allocation and platform upgrades.

As demand for RWAs (real-world assets) grows, ONDO has become a focal point for investors seeking exposure to this sector, with its market capitalization and ecosystem revenues growing rapidly in 2025.

Why Ondo Matters in DeFi

Ondo is proving that DeFi is no longer limited to cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. By bringing tokenized real-world assets to the blockchain, it opens up new pathways for liquidity, investment, and financial inclusion. Its mix of institutional credibility, decentralized governance, and community engagement makes it one of the most important projects in the RWA sector.

Ondo and Unity Wallet

At Unity Wallet, we share Ondo’s vision for a more open and inclusive financial system. That’s why Unity Wallet supports ONDO on the Ethereum blockchain, giving users the ability to send/receive, swap, hold, and manage their ONDO tokens within a secure, self-custodial environment. Whether you’re looking to participate in governance, diversify into RWAs, or simply hold ONDO as part of your crypto portfolio, Unity Wallet makes it seamless.

Conclusion

Ondo is more than a DeFi protocol—it’s a blueprint for the future of tokenized finance. By combining blockchain transparency with the trust of real-world financial instruments, it shows how markets can evolve to become borderless, accessible, and community-driven. With ONDO already supported on Ethereum through Unity Wallet, investors can confidently step into this next phase of decentralized finance while keeping full control of their assets.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies, tokenized stocks, or ETFs involves risk, including possible loss of capital. Always do your own research and consult a licensed advisor. Unity Wallet does not provide investment advice and does not guarantee returns on any assets held in self-custody or used in DeFi.