Ethereum Jumps 8% to $2,080 as Tom Lee Backs Vlad Tenev's 'Global Tokenization Supercycle'

Fundstrat’s Tom Lee says tokenization could provide a major tailwind for crypto as Ethereum surged 8% to $2,080 on Wednesday.Tom Lee Backs Tokenization ThesisLee called out a for the altcoin, saying it would be its first bullish trend signal since October 2025.Lee also backed Robinhood Markets Inc. ) CEO Vlad Tenev‘s tokenization thesis, calling it a structural trend poised to benefit crypto.Tokenization is “freight train that cannot be stopped” and one that could eventually “eat the entire financial system,” Lee wrote.“This is a structural theme and one set to benefit crypto,” the BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc BMNR) Executive Chairman added, stating that agentic AI could provide another major catalyst. BMNR is up 11% on the day.This convergence could become increasingly important as financial assets move onto programmable, always-on blockchain infrastructure. Autonomous AI agents could emerge as potential users of those markets.Crypto’s role beyond speculative digital assets could expand, positioning blockchain networks as infrastructure for trading, settlement and potentially a much broader universe of financial assets.Are We Entering ‘Tokenization Supercycle?’Speaking on CNBC ahead of meetings at the White House and CFTC, Tenev said tokenization could ultimately transform the infrastructure underlying traditional finance.“We’re at the beginning of a super cycle and it’s going to take over the entire financial system,” Tenev said.Tenev pointed to Robinhood’s blockchain efforts outside the U.S., where the company initially launched 90 stock tokens before expanding the offering to roughly 190.Tenev noted that much of the value creation from companies in areas such as AI, as well as businesses like SpaceX, has historically occurred before ordinary retail investors could participate.Tokenization could eventually bring private assets onto blockchain infrastructure with deeper global liquidity and more efficient market rails.However, Tenev stressed that broader access must be balanced with investor protections.Image: Shutterstock