Crypto news

16.06.2026
06:08

Standard Chartered predicts explosive growth of DeFi to $2.7 trillion by 2030

The decentralized finance (DeFi) market is on the verge of a tectonic shift. According to my analysis, which aligns with the latest expert estimates, the total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols could reach an astronomical $2.7 trillion by the end of 2030. This represents a 37-fold increase from current levels.

The key catalyst for this rally will be the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) and the development of on-chain infrastructure. Currently, only 3% of the total stablecoin supply and 10% of tokenized RWAs are utilized in DeFi. However, by the end of the decade, I expect the share of these assets used in protocols to grow to 30%. Achieving the $2.7 trillion target will require a ninefold increase in the share of tokenized value involved in the DeFi ecosystem.

However, the path is not without its challenges. Experts point to fundamental issues. For example, issuing the same asset across multiple blockchains creates fragmented liquidity and multiplies operational costs. Moreover, tokenization itself is not a "magic wand" that instantly turns illiquid assets into liquid ones. It is merely a tool, not a solution.

Special attention should be paid to the Uniswap protocol. In the current scenario, it is positioned as a potential center of gravity for RWA trading. Institutional players are likely to favor this platform due to its impeccable reputation and high level of security. Partnerships with traditional finance (TradFi) could help Uniswap significantly close the market capitalization gap with giants like Coinbase.

My opinion: The $2.7 trillion forecast looks ambitious but achievable, provided that issues with scaling and liquidity are resolved. The current interest of consultants and institutions in RWAs and stablecoins, rather than in pure bitcoin, is a clear signal: the market is seeking not just speculation, but real, asset-backed value. DeFi is becoming a bridge between the crypto world and the real economy, and this bridge will be worth trillions.