Standard Chartered: DeFi sector will grow to $2.7 trillion by 2030 — tokenization will be the catalyst
The decentralized finance (DeFi) market is on the verge of a massive transformation. According to my analysis, based on the latest data, the total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols could reach $2.7 trillion by the end of 2030. This implies nearly a 37-fold increase from current levels.
The key drivers of this explosive expansion will be tokenized real-world assets (RWA) and the development of on-chain infrastructure. Currently, only 3% of stablecoin issuance and 10% of RWA are utilized in DeFi protocols, indicating enormous untapped potential. By 2030, this share could grow to 30%, which will drive capital inflows.
Achieving the projected $2.7 trillion will require a ninefold increase in the share of tokenized value used in protocols. However, significant obstacles lie ahead. Industry experts rightly note that issuing the same asset on multiple blockchains fragments liquidity and increases operational costs. Moreover, tokenization itself does not turn illiquid assets into liquid ones—developed markets and pricing mechanisms are needed for that.
Uniswap deserves special attention. This platform is seen as a potential hub for RWA trading. Institutional players are expected to choose Uniswap due to its impeccable reputation and high level of security. Partnerships with traditional finance could help Uniswap close the valuation gap with giants like Coinbase.
My expert assessment: Standard Chartered's forecast looks ambitious but realistic, given the accelerating tokenization of assets worldwide. However, the key success factor will not just be TVL growth, but the creation of a seamless infrastructure capable of uniting fragmented liquidity pools. Without solving the fragmentation issue and ensuring legal clarity for RWA, this potential may remain unrealized. DeFi is moving toward institutionalization, and tokenization will be the bridge connecting the crypto world with traditional finance.