Analysts at Standard Chartered predict explosive growth of DeFi to $2.7 trillion by 2030.
According to a recent analysis, the total value locked (TVL) in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols could reach an astronomical $2.7 trillion by the end of 2030. This implies nearly a 37-fold increase from current levels, making the sector one of the most dynamic in the crypto industry.
The main catalysts for this boom will be tokenized real-world assets (RWA) and the further development of on-chain protocols. Currently, only about 3% of the total stablecoin supply and 10% of the RWA volume are utilized in DeFi. However, by 2030, this share could grow to 30%, fundamentally reshaping the market structure.
Key obstacles on the path to trillions
Achieving such an ambitious goal will require a ninefold increase in the share of tokenized value used in DeFi. However, industry experts warn of significant challenges. For instance, issuing the same asset on different blockchains could lead to liquidity fragmentation and higher operational costs. Moreover, tokenization itself is not a panacea—it does not automatically make illiquid assets liquid.
Uniswap as a new RWA hub
The forecast pays special attention to Uniswap. The platform is seen as a potential hub for trading tokenized real-world assets. Institutional players are likely to choose Uniswap due to its reputation and high level of security. Partnerships with traditional finance could help Uniswap narrow the market capitalization gap with giants like Coinbase.
Notably, the interest of consultants and institutions is already shifting toward stablecoins and RWAs, leaving bitcoin in the background. This confirms that the future of DeFi is inextricably linked to the tokenization of the real world.
My expert opinion: The forecast looks optimistic but realistic, provided that issues with liquidity and standardization are resolved. If RWAs truly become mainstream, DeFi could evolve into a global financial infrastructure capable of competing with traditional markets. However, without clear regulatory frameworks and unified protocols, this path will be fraught with challenges.