**The Tokenization Boom: DeFi Assets Could Reach $2.7 Trillion by 2030**
The world of decentralized finance (DeFi) is on the cusp of a major expansion, driven by the accelerating tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs). According to a recent research note from Standard Chartered head of digital assets research Geoff Kendrick, the total value of assets within the DeFi ecosystem could surge to an astonishing $2.7 trillion by the year 2030. This projection highlights a transformative shift in how financial assets are perceived and traded.
Currently, the adoption of tokenized assets within DeFi remains relatively small, with only 3% of stablecoins and 10% of RWAs being actively used. However, Kendrick’s forecast suggests this usage rate is poised to skyrocket to 30% over the next six years—a remarkable 37-fold increase from today’s levels. This optimistic outlook is fueled by the rapidly increasing tempo of tokenization across various asset classes.
As of the end of June, the market for tokenized real-world assets had already reached $32.22 billion in on-chain value, a figure that is nearly three times the $11.8 billion seen just one year prior. When including stablecoins, the broader tokenized market exceeds $328.8 billion, indicating substantial momentum and investor interest.
A key driver of this growth is the expanding universe of tokenized RWAs, which now encompasses stocks, bonds, real estate, gold, and carbon credits. The number of total RWA holders has also grown significantly to 937,928, marking a 13% increase in just the past month alone, according to data from RWA.xyz.
**Diving Into Key RWA Vertical**
Several sectors are leading the charge in this tokenization revolution:
**1. US Treasuries:** Tokenized US Treasury bills, notes, and bonds currently represent the largest on-chain asset category, valued at $15 billion. Products like Blackrock’s BUIDL fund have demonstrated significant traction, reaching over $2.9 billion in value earlier this year. These offerings provide investors with familiar, low-risk, and liquid assets that generate yield—a combination that traditional stablecoins have yet to offer. Following their launch on multiple blockchain networks, these tokenized Treasuries are now available for trading on major decentralized exchanges.
**2. Private Credit:** This sector is gaining considerable attention due to its potential for higher yields compared to government debt. Tokenization is also solving a critical challenge for private credit by introducing much-needed liquidity to an asset class traditionally characterized by long lock-up periods. The total value of tokenized private credit stands at approximately $6.2 billion, with platforms like Maple Finance and Stokr commanding significant market share.
**3. Stocks and ETFs:** Although still a smaller portion of the market, tokenized equities are experiencing rapid growth, increasing by almost 50% in the last thirty days. A pivotal moment occurred when the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) announced plans to pilot tokenized securities trading. This initiative, involving major financial firms like BlackRock and Goldman Sachs, could pave the way for a full commercial launch in the near future.
**4. Gold and Commodities:** Tokenized gold has recently proven its worth as a viable alternative during periods of market stress. When traditional markets closed due to geopolitical tensions in early 2026, on-chain perpetual futures for commodities remained active. This demonstrated the critical advantage of decentralized markets that operate 24/7. The volume for tokenized commodities, while experiencing some pullback, remains substantial, with gold continuing to be the dominant asset.
**5. Real Estate:** Real estate tokenization has long been anticipated, and 2026 may mark a turning point. With projects launching in major regulated markets like Dubai and Hong Kong, the sector is moving beyond promise to practice. Tokenization allows for fractional ownership, lowering the barrier to entry and enabling investors to trade property shares seamlessly without the need for a full asset sale.
**Looking Ahead**
Despite the exciting growth, it is important to note that tokenized RWAs are still relatively small compared to their traditional counterparts. Tokenized Treasuries, for example, are dwarfed by the $30 trillion traditional US Treasury market, and tokenized stocks represent a tiny fraction of the DTCC’s $114 trillion in custody. Liquidity in many RWA markets also remains thin.
However, the regulatory landscape is evolving positively. The recent approval by the SEC for Nasdaq to explore tokenized stock trading signals a broader acceptance on the horizon. With the trajectory of tokenization clearly established, the question is no longer *if* real-world assets will be tokenized, but *how quickly* this transformation will unfold.
***
*Original Source:*
Krisztian, Sandor. “Standard Chartered’s $2.7 Trillion DeFi Prediction By 2030.” *CoinDesk*, 19 Apr. 2026, www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/04/19/standard-chartered-s-2-7-trillion-defi-prediction-by-2030. *(Note: The provided content appears to reference an article from CoinDesk by Krisztian, Sandor.)*
