Standard Chartered: LINK could grow to $200 by 2030
Standard Chartered's analytical department has significantly revised its view on Chainlink (LINK), setting a target price of $200 by the end of 2030. This implies nearly a 25-fold increase from current levels around $8. The key thesis is LINK's transformation into an indispensable infrastructure element for the tokenized assets (RWA) market.
Geoff Kendrick, head of digital asset research at the bank, emphasizes the uniqueness of the protocol's positioning. Unlike fragmented solutions, Chainlink claims to be the "only end-to-end platform" capable of supporting the full lifecycle of a tokenized asset—from issuance to compliance. As traditional finance migrates on-chain, the need for reliable oracles, secure cross-chain bridges, and verification tools will become critical.
The forecast is accompanied by expectations of a similar 25-fold growth in network fee revenue. Among clients and integrators, giants such as SWIFT, DTCC, Euroclear, JPMorgan, Mastercard, UBS, Fidelity, and S&P Global are mentioned. This is not just a list of names—it is an indicator that institutional demand for decentralized infrastructure is already forming, rather than being an abstract idea.
Key risks to the bullish scenario
Kendrick, however, does not limit himself to a bullish forecast and highlights three systemic risks. First, a possible slowdown in the pace of institutional tokenization, which would extend the horizon for achieving target metrics. Second, increased competition from specialized providers that could capture individual niches. Third, technical failures or configuration errors that could undermine trust in the platform at any given moment.
It is important to note that the RWA market is already demonstrating impressive momentum: the volume of such assets on lending platforms and DEXs reached $7.4 billion in the second quarter, compared to $2.3 billion a year earlier. In my assessment, this trend will only intensify, and Chainlink, as a critical link between blockchain and the real world, looks like one of the most obvious beneficiaries. However, such a long-term forecast (until 2030) should be viewed more as a strategic reference point rather than a guaranteed trajectory, especially given market volatility and potential regulatory changes.