Standard Chartered: DeFi market to reach $2.7 trillion by 2030 — tokenization and RWA as key catalysts
The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector is on the verge of massive growth. Analysts at Standard Chartered predict that the total value locked (TVL) in protocols could soar to $2.7 trillion by the end of 2030. This represents an increase of more than 37 times compared to current levels.
Key Drivers: RWA and On-Chain Protocols
The main drivers of this growth will be tokenized real-world assets (RWA) and the further development of on-chain infrastructure. Currently, in my estimation, only about 3% of all stablecoins and no more than 10% of RWAs are utilized in DeFi. By the end of the decade, this share could reach 30%.
To reach the $2.7 trillion mark, the market would need a ninefold increase in the share of tokenized value used in protocols. However, this path is not without obstacles. Some experts, such as Axis CEO Chris Kim, point to the problem of liquidity fragmentation. Issuing the same asset on different blockchains creates fragmented pools and increases operational costs.
Uniswap as a Hub for RWA Trading
Standard Chartered highlighted Uniswap as a potential hub for RWA trading. According to analysts, institutional investors will 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 Coinbase.
Notably, back in June, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan noted a shift in advisors' interest from Bitcoin toward stablecoins and RWAs.
My comment: Standard Chartered's forecasts look ambitious but have a real foundation. Tokenization of RWAs is not just a trend but a fundamental shift that attracts institutional capital. However, the key risks remain regulatory uncertainty and the technical complexity of integrating traditional assets into the on-chain environment. If these barriers are overcome, $2.7 trillion is just the first stage.