ERC-7943 (uRWA): a modular interface for tokenizing real-world assets on Ethereum

ERC-7943, known as the Universal Real World Asset Interface (uRWA), introduces a simple and modular standard for tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs) on Ethereum. Its goal is to reduce fragmentation among issuers, custodians, and platforms while improving interoperability across EVM-compatible chains and Layer 2 solutions.

The design keeps the interface separate from compliance logic, allowing for diverse regulatory and custodial implementations. In essence, the standard defines basic functions for representing and managing RWAs without enforcing specific technical or legal approaches.

What ERC-7943 proposes and who works on it

ERC-7943 establishes core functions for representing and managing real-world assets without locking users into particular technical implementations. The proposal is led by Dario Lo Buglio, co-founder of Brickken, and is supported by various Web3 and fintech companies. The aim is to let issuers and custodians integrate regulatory controls while maintaining compatibility across different infrastructures.

Important technical features

• Permissioned Transfers: The standard includes a permission-checking mechanism for transferring restricted assets. Contracts can delegate authorization decisions to external systems or custom logic without breaking standard interoperability.

• Freezing and Control Mechanisms: It allows pausing, blocking, or seizing tokenized positions in cases of incidents or regulatory requirements. Actual execution logic is kept outside the core interface.

• Modular Compliance Controls: The interface offers integration points for KYC, AML, and legal validations without relying on a single provider. This lets different parties implement their own compliance solutions while remaining contract-compatible.

How it fits with previous standards

ERC-7943 takes an agnostic, interoperability-first approach compared to more narrowly focused proposals. It’s designed to work alongside established standards like ERC-3643 and ERC-1400, giving issuers flexibility in implementation without sacrificing contract-level compatibility.

Challenges and implications for adoption and financial sovereignty

tandardization reduces friction but doesn’t eliminate risk. Fragmented adoption may persist if major players favor proprietary extensions, and legal harmonization across jurisdictions remains challenging. The use of external compliance tools also introduces concerns around concentrated control and reduced sovereignty over tokenized assets.

A clear standard can accelerate institutional entry into tokenized ecosystems by lowering integration costs and simplifying auditing and custody. However, its real-world utility will depend on adoption by issuers, custodians, and developers—as well as the ecosystem’s ability to balance compliance with resistance to over-centralization.

The full technical specification is available in EIP-7943 for those interested in reviewing or contributing to its development.