March 27, 2024

Edge Assets: an evolution in Real World Asset tokenisation on the Minima blockchain

Edge Assets: an evolution in Real World Asset tokenisation on the Minima blockchain

Tokenised RWAs (Real World Assets) are a class of crypto tokens, representing tangible assets outside the digital spectrum. These can range from bonds to real estate properties, commodities, and art. 

Recently, RWA tokenisation has become a hot topic in the world of global finance, often dominating discussions at major industry events this year. Blackrock, the world’s largest investment manager, and handler of more than $9 trillion in assets, has even announced its own tokenised asset fund this week. 

The practical applications of the technology extend well beyond the tokenisation of static goods like precious metals and real estate. It has the potential to enable asset origin tracking, data integrity, and programmability, and we are collaborating with global leaders in the automotive, real estate, and telecommunication sectors to unlock the real utility behind RWA. 

Edge Assets: A new paradigm


Minima is introducing a transformative concept to the burgeoning RWA field: Edge Assets

The term "edge" derives its name from Minima's approach of distributing node functionality to the edges of the network, enabling users to run a full node on any device. Minima is the only protocol compact enough to enable the network to run entirely by nodes without the need of supporting servers due to its fully decentralised and device-agnostic architecture. 

Minima’s novel approach allows individuals and machines to create tokenised RWAs over the distributed network architecture, distinguishing Minima within the blockchain industry by providing unparalleled advantages in asset provenance, data integrity, and immutability. 

On alternative chains, generating RWA tokens necessitates external third party validators to carry out the process on their behalf, since not all users have the capability to operate a full node themselves. This process presents several issues as it introduces dependencies on external nodes and introduces the possibility of data being tampered with, leading to delays, inefficiencies and inaccuracies.

Reliance on remote nodes fundamentally undermines the decentralisation and autonomy that blockchain networks strive so hard to achieve.

Revolutionising the process of RWA tokenisation 

Minima's Edge Assets introduce a level of programmability that is unprecedented in the realm of RWA tokenisation. 

Unlike traditional digital tokens, Edge Assets involve embedding of execution requests directly within the tokens themselves. This native programmability allows for the automation of complex transactions, the execution of smart contracts based on predefined conditions, and the dynamic management of asset-related data. 

For RWAs tokenisation, this means that each tokenised asset can carry its own set of preprogrammed conditions, facilitating innovative use cases such as automated leasing agreements, performance-based financing, and real-time asset tracking.

This native programmability means that Minima’s Edge Assets allow real-world assets to interact with the blockchain in the most direct way possible.

But, what are the benefits of this?  Edge Assets represent a significant advancement in how RWA tokens can function, bestowing new powers upon asset issuers.

The tokenisation of real-world assets demands a robust framework for provenance and security. Edge Assets are capable of capturing multiple essential data points — including timestamps, geographical location, and device-specific information captured from onboard sensors, at the very moment of the asset’s creation. This capability not only strengthens the asset's provenance, but also aligns with the decentralised ethos of blockchain, ensuring enhanced security and reduced risks of centralised failure.

Furthermore, the unique capabilities of Edge Assets, particularly their programmability, and ability to facilitate fractional ownership, offer a powerful tool for revolutionising the world of RWA tokenisation.

Bricktrade: An Edge Asset use case in real estate

Edge Assets will be the centrepiece of Minima’s upcoming partnership with Bricktrade, an RWA tokenisation platform allowing the fractionalisation of property assets.

"Bricktrade is excited to collaborate with Minima to leverage their innovative blockchain infrastructure. Minima's lightweight and scalable solution aligns perfectly with our mission to make real estate tokenisation accessible and user-friendly,”  said Jag Singh, Head of Product. “This collaboration has the potential to streamline the onboarding of Edge Assets onto the blockchain, ultimately offering several key benefits to our users.”

By leveraging Minima's technology, Bricktrade anticipates significant reductions in transaction costs and processing times, ultimately making investment in tokenised real estate more attractive, accessible and secure for its users.

Edge Assets inherently capture critical data points at the moment of creation, such as timestamps, location, and device-specific information. This data triangulation significantly bolsters provenance reliability which is crucial for industries like real estate.

“We believe that by working together, Bricktrade and Minima can unlock the full potential of real estate tokenisation and empower a new generation of investors,” added Jag. 

Minima invites any RWA Token development team who is interested in learning more about Edge Assets and what they could mean for their project to get in touch with us at partnerships@minima.global