Is tokenizing real-world assets the next big step for finance, or just another crypto hype cycle?

I’ve been trying to understand where tokenized real-world assets (RWA) actually fit. On paper, it sounds useful. You can take things like gold, real estate, or commodities and put them on blockchain. That should make them easier to trade, more accessible, and available 24/7. No banks, fewer middlemen.

But I keep wondering how much of this is real improvement vs just packaging old assets in a new way. If I already have ETFs or REITs, do I really gain anything from tokenization? Or is it just more risk added through crypto infrastructure?

I recently found Steamex.com, a platform which is focused on tokenized gold. The idea is simple: you buy digital tokens backed by real gold instead of holding physical metal. It sounds convenient, but it also depends a lot on trust in the company and how the backing actually works.

Another question is liquidity. Projects say assets are tradable anytime, but that only works if there are enough buyers and sellers.

Curious what others think. Is this actually the future of finance, or are we still early and overestimating the impact?