Standard Chartered Forecast: DeFi Market Could Grow to $2.7 Trillion by 2030
The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector is on the verge of massive growth. According to my analysis, based on the latest market data, the total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols could reach $2.7 trillion by the end of 2030. This represents a 37-fold increase from current levels.
The key catalysts for this explosive growth will be two areas: tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) and the development of on-chain protocols. Currently, only 3% of stablecoin supply and 10% of RWAs are utilized in DeFi. By 2030, I expect the share of these assets used in protocols to grow to 30%.
Reaching the $2.7 trillion mark will require a ninefold increase in the share of tokenized value involved in DeFi. However, such large-scale growth comes with serious challenges. For example, issuing the same asset on different blockchains creates fragmented liquidity and increases operational costs, which could slow down integration. Additionally, tokenization itself is not a "magic solution" for illiquid assets—it does not make them instantly liquid without the appropriate infrastructure.
Special attention should be paid to the Uniswap platform. In my analysis, it stands out as a potential hub for RWA trading. Institutional players are likely to choose this platform due to its reputation and high level of security. Partnerships with traditional finance could help Uniswap narrow the market capitalization gap with major centralized exchanges like Coinbase.
Interestingly, a trend of shifting focus from Bitcoin to stablecoins and RWAs has already emerged among advisors. This confirms that the market is moving toward more practical and institutionally oriented instruments.
My expert opinion: The $2.7 trillion forecast is ambitious but realistic, provided that issues with liquidity and standardization are resolved. DeFi is ceasing to be a niche experiment and is transforming into a full-fledged financial layer that will compete with traditional markets. However, investors should keep in mind that growth rates may be uneven due to regulatory risks and technical limitations.