Travis John, founder of RWA Builders, joins to dive into the rapidly evolving world of real-world assets (RWAs). From compliance to token generating events (TGEs), Travis breaks down where tokenization is headed, how institutions are entering, and why collectibles like Pokémon cards are reshaping how people think about value. He shares insights on building community through RWA Builders, his new role with XDC Network, and why he believes 2026 will be a hypergrowth year for tokenized assets. This episode covers: - How to explain Web3 and tokenization to newcomers - Why people get hooked on crypto and stay in the industry - The hype and reality of token generating events (TGEs) - Why compliance is becoming the next big narrative in crypto - How big brands like Stripe, Shopify, Coinbase, and OpenSea shape trust - Institutional headlines: NASDAQ, BlackRock, Franklin Templeton - Whether crypto natives are being left behind in mainstream adoption - Pokémon cards as currency and collectibles as real-world assets - The mission and growth of RWA Builders as an industry alliance - Travis’s new role at XDC Network and its DeFi + RWA strategy - Why RWAs are “bear market durable” and built for long-term stability - Hypergrowth expectations heading into 2026   Important DisclosuresThis content is intended for educational purposes only. Please note that the availability of the products mentioned may vary by country, and it is recommended to check with your local stock exchange.  Please note that VanEck may offer investments products that invest in the asset class(es) or industries included in this podcast.This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities, financial instruments or digital assets mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, tax advice, or any call to action. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are for illustrative purposes only, are valid as of the date of this communication, and are subject to change without notice. Actual future performance of any assets or industries mentioned are unknown. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck or its other employees. Investments in digital assets and Web3 companies are highly speculative and involve a high degree of risk. These risks include, but are not limited to: the technology is new and many of its uses may be untested; intense competition; slow adoption rates and the potential for product obsolescence; volatility and limited liquidity, including but not limited to, inability to liquidate a position; loss or destruction of key(s) to access accounts or the blockchain; reliance on digital wallets; reliance on unregulated markets and exchanges; reliance on the internet; cybersecurity risks; and the lack of regulation and the potential for new laws and regulation that may be difficult to predict. Moreover, the extent to which Web3 companies or digital assets utilize blockchain technology may vary, and it is possible that even widespread adoption of blockchain technology may not result in a material increase in the value of such companies or digital assets.   Digital asset prices are highly volatile, and the value of digital assets, and the companies that invest in them, can rise or fall dramatically and quickly. If their value goes down, there’s no guarantee that it will rise again. As a result, there is a significant risk of loss of your entire principal investment.  Digital assets are not generally backed or supported by any government or central bank and are not