Arbitrum RWA TVL builds as STEP-2 backs tokenized T-bills

Arbitrum RWA TVL surpasses $800M: what the report shows

According to the Arbitrum 2025 transparency report, real‑world asset (RWA) scale on Arbitrum surpassed $800 million in 2025. The figure reflects tokenized U.S. Treasuries and other institutional RWA holdings live on the network.

The report frames the growth as institutional on‑chain acceleration, with RWA TVL/AUM used to describe value secured by issuer programs and on‑chain balances. Differences in methodology across providers can yield varying snapshots around the publication window.

Why this RWA milestone matters for institutions and DeFi

Crossing $800 million indicates sufficient depth for institutions to test operational workflows at scale while benefiting from Layer 2 cost efficiency and speed. It also improves DeFi composability by introducing yield‑bearing, regulated instruments as collateral and liquidity primitives.

An executive at a selected issuer emphasized the importance of L2 infrastructure for enterprise‑grade tokenization. “By leveraging Arbitrum’s leading Layer 2 technology, we are able to deliver faster, more scalable, and cost‑efficient solutions to our clients,” said Roger Bayston, Head of Digital Assets at franklin templeton.

As reported by PR Newswire, ArbitrumDAO’s STEP‑2 in May 2025 named Franklin Templeton, Spiko, and WisdomTree, allocating 35 million ARB toward tokenized U.S. Treasury products via those issuers. The announcement highlighted institutional‑grade issuance supported by Arbitrum’s settlement layer.

On‑chain access is provided through issuer interfaces and ecosystem integrations on Arbitrum, subject to each issuer’s terms. Eligibility and disclosures are determined by the product structure and applicable compliance requirements.

Methodology and context for Arbitrum RWA TVL/AUM

How totals are aggregated and time-stamped in recent reports

Based on the Arbitrum 2025 transparency report, totals consolidate issuer‑reported and on‑chain balances of tokenized U.S. Treasuries and other RWAs live on Arbitrum. Figures are time‑stamped to the report’s 2025 publication window and may vary by provider methodology.

Recent milestones: STEP-2 allocations and October 2025 scale snapshot

According to ArbitrumDAO, STEP‑2 allocated 35 million ARB across Franklin Templeton, Spiko, and WisdomTree to expand tokenized Treasury access on Arbitrum. A foundation blog later noted an October 2025 snapshot above $1.1 billion, indicating an 18× year‑over‑year increase.

FAQ about Arbitrum RWA TVL

How does Arbitrum’s STEP program work, and which issuers were selected in STEP-2 with what allocations?

STEP funds on‑chain RWA expansion via competitive selection. In May 2025, STEP‑2 named Franklin Templeton, Spiko, and WisdomTree, with a total 35 million ARB allocation to tokenized Treasuries.

How do tokenized U.S. Treasuries on Arbitrum generate yield, and what are the risks and KYC/eligibility requirements?

Products track Treasury exposure through issuer structures; terms drive yield handling. Key risks include issuer and smart‑contract risk. Access may require KYC/eligibility, depending on issuer and jurisdiction.