Standard Chartered predicts explosive growth of DeFi to $2.7 trillion by 2030
Analysts at one of the world's leading banks have concluded that the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector is poised for massive growth. According to our estimates, based on an in-depth analysis of market trends, the total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols could reach $2.7 trillion by the end of 2030.
This represents an almost 37-fold increase compared to current levels. Two key drivers will fuel this explosive growth: the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) and the further development of on-chain protocols. In our view, these segments will attract the bulk of capital and institutional players.
Currently, only about 3% of the total stablecoin supply and 10% of all RWA volume are utilized in DeFi. However, by 2030, this share could grow to 30%. Achieving the target of $2.7 trillion will require a ninefold increase in the share of tokenized value operating within protocols.
Challenges on the Path to $2.7 Trillion
Despite the optimistic forecast, the industry faces serious challenges. Some experts warn that issuing the same asset on multiple blockchains creates fragmented liquidity and significantly increases operational costs. Moreover, tokenization itself is not a "magic bullet"—it does not automatically make illiquid assets liquid. This requires developed infrastructure and deep markets.
In this context, the Uniswap platform deserves special attention. Our analysis shows that it could become a central hub for trading tokenized real-world assets. Institutional investors are likely to choose Uniswap precisely because of its impeccable reputation and high level of security. Partnerships with traditional finance (TradFi) could help Uniswap narrow the market capitalization gap with a giant centralized exchange like Coinbase.
Expert Opinion: Standard Chartered's forecast looks ambitious but not fantastical. The key factor here will be not just capitalization growth, but the ability of DeFi protocols to integrate with regulatory standards and the traditional financial system. If RWA tokenization truly becomes a bridge between TradFi and DeFi, then $2.7 trillion is just the beginning. However, without solving issues of liquidity fragmentation and legal clarity, this scenario could be delayed.