The Mantra blockchain network has launched a $108,888,888 ecosystem fund aimed at accelerating the growth of startups focused on real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and decentralized finance (DeFi), amid rising demand for stable, asset-backed digital products.

Mantra, a layer-1 (L1) blockchain built for tokenized RWAs, launched the Mantra Ecosystem Fund (MEF) to accelerate the growth and adoption of projects and startups building on its network, according to an April 7 announcement shared with Cointelegraph.

Mantra said it will deploy the capital over the next four years among “high-potential blockchain projects” worldwide, with investment opportunities sourced through Mantra’s network of partners. The fund’s backers include a wide range of institutional partners including Laser Digital, Shorooq, Brevan Howard Digital, Valor Capital, Three Point Capital and Amber Group.

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Mantra CEO John Patrick Mullin said the fund will operate an “open-arms policy, welcoming projects at any developmental stage globally with a particular focus on RWA’s and DeFi.” Mullin told Cointelegraph:

“The MEF thesis is to invest in top-tier teams building RWA and DeFi applications, as well as complimentary infrastructure, that will both directly and indirectly support the broader ecosystem.”

Mantra aims to become the underlying infrastructure layer for tokenized asset issues worldwide, Mullin said.

The launch of the fund comes a month after Mantra became the first DeFi platform to obtain a virtual asset service provider (VASP) license under Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

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Investor demand grows for RWAs

The timing of the fund’s launch aligns with growing institutional interest in RWAs, which are seen by some as a hedge against crypto market volatility and broader economic uncertainty.

Global fears and uncertainty around US President Donald Trump’s tariffs have impacted investor sentiment across markets.

Despite a broader market slump triggered by US tariff-related concerns, the value of tokenized RWAs recently surged to a record high. According to data from RWA.xyz, total RWA market capitalization reached more than $19.6 billion as of early April, up from $17 billion in early February.

Industry watchers previously told Cointelegraph that Bitcoin’s lack of upside momentum may drive RWAs to a $50 billion all-time high before the end of 2025.

The world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock, has also signaled support for the RWA space.

BlackRock’s USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) saw an over three-fold increase in the three weeks leading up to March 26, from $615 million to $1.87 billion.

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Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has introduced new guidelines for crypto exchanges offering staking services.

In an April 7 announcement, the SFC announced new guidelines for crypto exchanges offering staking services and locally authorized funds exposed to digital assets involved in staking. The announcement follows recent remarks from Christina Choi, the SFC’s executive director of investment products, who said during a speech at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival:

“The SFC is committed to supporting Hong Kong’s Web3 journey.”

In its announcement, the regulator said it “recognizes the potential benefits of staking in enhancing the security of blockchain networks and allowing investors to earn yields.” Consequently, the latest guidance allows crypto exchanges to provide staking service offerings.

Chen Wu, co-founder and CEO of Hong Kong-based and SFC-licensed crypto exchange Ex.io, told Cointelegraph that the firm appreciates the regulator “allowing licensed platforms to offer staking services under clear and responsible guidelines.” She said:

“The SFC’s announcement signals that more doors are opening — not just for staking, but for a wider range of Web3 products to take shape under a regulated and trusted framework.”

“Hong Kong is positioning itself not just as a compliant market, but as a real hub for Web3 adoption, where users’ interests are protected without slowing down progress,” Wu added.

Related: Hong Kong investment firm’s shares surge 93% after buying just 1 Bitcoin

New rules for staking services

The new rules were communicated by the regulator in its latest circular sent to crypto exchanges under its jurisdiction. The SFC requires crypto exchanges to obtain written approval before offering staking services, retain control over staked virtual assets and not delegate custody to third parties.

Cryptocurrency exchanges engaged in staking must disclose all relevant risks and details concerning fees, minimum lock-up periods, unstaking processes, outage processes and custodial arrangements to their customers. Lastly, the providers must report on their staking activities to the SFC.

A similar circular was sent to SFC-regulated crypto fund operators, with the new rules being relevant to funds with more than 10% of their net asset value invested directly or indirectly in digital assets. Funds can only acquire virtual assets that are also directly available to the local public and rely on SFC-authorized platforms. Leveraged exposure is prohibited.

Funds can engage in staking if it is consistent with the fund’s objectives, while providing clear disclosure and robust controls. An investor notice and possibly shareholder approval may be required if staking implementation leads to material strategy or risk profile changes.

Hong Kong bets on Web3

During her recent speech, SFC’s Choi recognized that the Web3 space is still evolving and that “its full benefits will unfold in time, likely with twists and turns.” She cited the speculative industry of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as a cautionary tale that justifies caution in the current regulatory approach:

“Therefore, rather than chasing every new spark, we believe in a pragmatic approach — strengthening the fundamentals and fostering a supportive ecosystem where Web3 can thrive in a sustainable manner.“

Related: Hong Kong remains an ‘open and vibrant market’ for crypto, says financial secretary

The official’s comments follow recent reports that cryptocurrency exchange Bybit announced the shutdown of its NFT marketplace as the market is running out of steam. The decision follows a similar decision by major NFT marketplace X2Y2 announced in late March.

The non-fungible token market is seeing a significant downturn. Daily NFT trading volume was over $18 million 364 days ago before Bybit’s announcements and stood at $5.34 million when the decision to shut down the platform was made public — a 70% fall.

When arguing why Web3 companies should choose Hong Kong as their headquarters, Choi pointed out that Hong Kong ranks third in the Global Financial Centres Index. Furthermore, local regulators have set clear guidelines for crypto industry firms, and Hong Kong provides easy access to Asian markets.

In her closing statements, Choi said, “We stand today at the crossroads where traditional finance and the digital economy are converging to drive promising outcomes for our financial markets.” She added:

“The zero-to-one breakthrough has been made, and its future success would very much depend on how we nurture this convergence, that is, how we go from one to 100.“

Her statements echo Hong Kong’s financial technology sector, which has seen 250% growth since 2022. The SFC recently introduced a new roadmap to position the city as a global cryptocurrency hub.

The “ASPIRe” roadmap hopes to future-proof the local virtual asset ecosystem. It involves 12 initiatives spread across five broad categories, which include providing market access, optimizing compliance and frameworks and improving blockchain efficiency.

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will likely see a reduced role in crypto regulations as other federal agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and state-level regulators assume a bigger role in crypto policy, according to Ethan Ostroff, partner at the Troutman Pepper Locke law firm.

“I think with the current administration, my sense is, we are highly likely to see a significant pullback by the CFPB in the context of the activity by other regulators,” Ostroff told Cointelegraph in an interview.

State regulators also have the authority under the Consumer Financial Protection Act (CFPA) to assume some of the regulatory roles of the CFPB, the attorney said but also added that some regulatory functions will continue to fall within the purview of the CFPB as a matter of established law.

Ostroff cited the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) as regulators to keep an eye on as potential leaders of crypto regulations at the state level.

However, the attorney clarified that while the CFPB may see a diminished role during the Trump administration, the agency would not be outright dismantled during the current regime due to “statutorily mandated obligations and requirements” that require acts of Congress to change.

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Trump administration targets CFPB in efficiency push

The Trump administration targeted the CFPB as part of a broader push by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to slash government spending and reduce the federal debt.

Russell Vought, the recently appointed head of the CFPB, announced major funding cuts to the agency and scaled back operations within days of assuming the helm at the CFPB in February 2025.

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized Elon Musk for dismantling the CFPB, which the US senator co-founded back in 2007.

Warren characterized Musk as a “bank robber” and claimed that the Trump administration dismantled the CFPB to undo consumer protection rules and have greater control over the financial system.

In a February 12 interview with Mother Jones, the senator stressed that the Executive Branch of government does not have the statutory authority to fully dismantle the CFPB, which can only be done through Congressional approval.

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