Tokenization Could Push DeFi Assets to $2.7T by 2030: Standard Chartered
15 Jun 2026 · 13:28 UTC · Cointelegraph RSS Feed · Original source
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Summary
Standard Chartered has forecast that assets locked in decentralized finance (DeFi) will reach $2.7 trillion by 2030, driven by tokenization of real-world assets and crypto-native growth. The projection reflects the bank's confidence in the expansion of blockchain-based financial services and increasing adoption of decentralized finance protocols. Tokenization of traditional assets—including commodities, securities, and real estate—is identified as a key driver for DeFi ecosystem expansion over the coming years.
Why it matters
Standard Chartered's projection derives strength from the bank's institutional credibility and market research capabilities. The $2.7 trillion figure is substantial but plausible given the current ~$120-150B DeFi sector potentially growing at compound annual rates. The tokenization thesis aligns with observed trends in real-world asset (RWA) adoption, where institutional players increasingly explore blockchain-based settlement. However, this remains a forecast, not a confirmed catalyst. Immediate price impacts would be limited because: (1) it's a long-term projection to 2030, not an imminent event; (2) no new fundamental change is announced; (3) the announcement consolidates existing institutional bullish sentiment rather than creating novel information. Expected mechanisms include positive sentiment validation and stronger DeFi-token sector impact versus Bitcoin. Accumulation would occur over weeks rather than spike trading. Key uncertainties include regulatory clarity for RWAs, technological scalability, and competitive threats from central bank digital currencies.
Expected impact
Standard Chartered's $2.7 trillion DeFi forecast by 2030 signals strong institutional confidence in tokenization and decentralized finance growth. This positive long-term outlook could attract institutional capital flows and increase retail sentiment toward DeFi and crypto assets. The forecast emphasizes tokenization as a key driver, suggesting real-world asset (RWA) integration will expand significantly. Near-term market reaction may be modest, as this is a 2030 projection rather than immediate catalyst. However, the involvement of a major traditional financial institution lends credibility to the DeFi narrative. Altcoins and DeFi-native tokens would likely see more pronounced positive momentum than Bitcoin. Weekly to monthly timeframes would show more significant accumulation than intraday volatility. The forecast could strengthen the institutional adoption narrative, potentially accelerating blockchain technology integration in traditional finance.