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SEA: A Region of Untapped Potential

July 14, 2025

Southeast Asia (SEA) stands out as a region where real world asset (RWA) tokenization can deliver outsized, tangible impact – this is precisely why Plume has focused on SEA as part of its mission to democratize access to global capital.

In the global conversation about real world asset (RWA) tokenization, it’s easy to focus on the largest financial markets and the most headline-grabbing assets. But at Plume, we believe the true potential of tokenization lies in regions where it can deliver the most transformative, real-world impact. That’s why Southeast Asia (SEA) is a key part of our mission.

Southeast Asia is home to over 650 million people—a vibrant, youthful, and increasingly tech-savvy population. The region’s economies are among the fastest-growing in the world, fueled by a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. Yet, despite this dynamism, millions of people and businesses remain locked out of affordable capital. Traditional financial systems here are often fragmented, with high interest rates and limited access to cross-border finance. For small businesses, farmers, and local entrepreneurs, the barriers to entry in the global economy are daunting.

Digital Readiness and Regulatory Momentum

What makes SEA especially exciting is its readiness for change. Governments across the region, from Thailand to Vietnam, are actively developing regulatory frameworks to support digital assets and blockchain innovation. This openness to new technology is matched by a population that already embraces digital solutions in everyday life, from mobile payments to e-commerce. The groundwork is being laid for a leapfrog moment, where tokenization can bridge longstanding gaps in financial inclusion.

But the impact of RWA tokenization in Southeast Asia isn’t just theoretical—it’s deeply practical. Imagine a rice farmer in Indonesia who can tokenize future harvests to secure working capital, bypassing local lenders who might charge exorbitant interest. Or consider a small textile manufacturer in Vietnam that can tokenize receivables, improving cash flow and resilience without the friction of traditional factoring. Even renewable energy projects, like solar installations in the Philippines, can be fractionalized and funded by global impact investors, accelerating the region’s green transition. These are not distant possibilities—they are urgent needs that RWA tokenization can address right now.

As more assets in SEA come onchain, a powerful network effect begins to emerge. Tokenized assets can serve as collateral, unlock new lending markets, and connect local businesses to global pools of capital. Plume’s rapid growth in RWA holders - now surpassing even Ethereum with over 210,000 wallets - demonstrates the strong grassroots demand for these solutions, especially in regions like Southeast Asia, where the benefits are most pronounced.

Building Localized Infrastructure and Partnerships

Plume’s commitment to SEA goes beyond technology. We are building deep partnerships with local players, integrating with regional currencies, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Our goal is to create an infrastructure that is not just global, but truly local, tailored to the unique needs and opportunities of Southeast Asian markets.

At its core, our focus on Southeast Asia is about scale and inclusion. The region represents not just millions, but billions of people who have been left out of global finance for too long. By prioritizing SEA, Plume is helping to ensure that the next wave of financial innovation is not just about digitizing Wall Street, but about empowering communities, businesses, and individuals who stand to gain the most.

A Vision for the Future

Plume’s vision is clear: to bring real-world value onchain, starting where it matters most. Southeast Asia isn’t just another market - it’s the proving ground for how tokenization can transform lives, businesses, and entire economies. By building the rails for RWA adoption in SEA, we’re not only unlocking new markets; we’re helping to write the blueprint for a more inclusive, global financial future.