Open Interest on Hyperliquid Climbs 25% to $1.74 Billion
Open interest on the decentralized derivatives exchange Hyperliquid increased 25% in a single week, reaching a new high of $1.74 billion. This rapid growth is concentrated in the platform's HIP-3 markets, which feature tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). The leading trading pairs driving this activity include derivatives based on crude oil and silver, indicating strong trader confidence and growing demand for on-chain exposure to traditional commodities.
The influx of capital signals a significant milestone for Hyperliquid, boosting its liquidity and reinforcing its position in the competitive decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape. The platform's success highlights a clear market appetite for leveraging blockchain technology to trade assets beyond native cryptocurrencies, creating more sophisticated hedging and speculative opportunities.
Tokenized Asset Market Expands to $25 Billion
Hyperliquid's performance is a direct reflection of a much broader trend: the explosive growth of the tokenized RWA sector. By early 2026, the total market for tokenized assets had expanded to approximately $25 billion, a nearly fourfold increase year-over-year. The tokenized equities segment saw even more dramatic growth, ballooning by almost 2,878% to reach approximately $963 million by January 2026.
This expansion is propelled by significant institutional interest. A recent Coinbase survey found that 74% of institutional investors plan to increase their exposure to digital assets in 2026, with a specific focus on tokenized products. This institutional shift from experimentation to active allocation is creating a powerful demand cycle, benefiting platforms that offer access to these on-chain assets.
Nasdaq Approval and 24/7 Liquidity Signal Mainstream Adoption
Supporting this market growth is the rapid maturation of financial infrastructure. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's landmark approval for Nasdaq to trade and settle tokenized stocks and ETFs natively brings RWAs directly into the world's most liquid regulated market. This move provides a clear, compliant pathway for institutions and reduces the perceived risk of engaging with tokenized securities.
Simultaneously, liquidity providers are stepping in to meet institutional needs. The recent launch of a 24/7 over-the-counter (OTC) desk by Flow Traders for tokenized assets, including money-market funds and gold, addresses the critical demand for around-the-clock trading and risk management. Together, these regulatory and structural developments provide the foundational rails for the continued integration of tokenized assets into global financial markets.
