Standard Chartered: DeFi volume will grow to $2.7 trillion by 2030 — tokenization as the main driver
The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector is poised for a massive leap. According to my analysis, based on data from a Standard Chartered study, the total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols could reach $2.7 trillion by the end of 2030. This implies a 37-fold increase from current levels.
Key catalysts for this surge are the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) and the evolution of on-chain protocols. Currently, only 3% of stablecoin supply and 10% of RWA are utilized in DeFi. By 2030, I estimate the share of these assets used in protocols could grow to 30%.
However, achieving $2.7 trillion would require a ninefold increase in the share of tokenized value, which comes with significant challenges. For instance, issuing the same asset on different blockchains creates fragmented liquidity and raises operational costs. Moreover, as experts rightly note, tokenization itself does not turn illiquid assets into liquid ones—it is merely a tool, not a panacea.
In this context, Uniswap deserves special attention. The platform could become a central hub for trading RWA. Institutional players are likely to choose it due to its high reputation and security. Partnerships with traditional finance could narrow the gap in Uniswap's market capitalization with giants like Coinbase.
It is worth noting that the trend of shifting interest from Bitcoin to stablecoins and RWA has already emerged—consultants are increasingly recommending these instruments to clients. The tokenization market, according to other analysts' forecasts, could reach $5.5 trillion, which only confirms a systemic shift.
My expert opinion: The $2.7 trillion forecast looks ambitious but realistic, provided liquidity and regulatory issues are resolved. DeFi is ceasing to be a niche experiment—it is evolving into a fundamental layer of global financial infrastructure. Investors should closely monitor RWA and Uniswap as key indicators of this transition.