StanChart Sees Tokenization Pulling Trillions Into DeFi by 2028

Standard Chartered has forecast that tokenization could funnel trillions of dollars into decentralized finance by 2028, with the bank projecting $4 trillion in tokenized real-world assets.

The bank's estimate underscores a growing institutional belief that blockchain-based representation of traditional assets—such as bonds, real estate, and commodities—will become mainstream. Tokenization allows these assets to be traded, lent, or used as collateral on DeFi platforms, potentially unlocking liquidity and efficiency gains. For crypto traders, this trend could expand the total addressable market for DeFi protocols, driving demand for native tokens used in lending and trading. As tokenized assets flood on-chain, protocols like Aave, Compound, and Uniswap may see increased activity and fee generation. Check NowPrice's crypto page for real-time pricing on major DeFi tokens.

Looking ahead, the pace of regulatory clarity will be critical. Jurisdictions like the EU with MiCA and the US with evolving stablecoin rules could accelerate or hinder adoption. Traders should monitor institutional announcements from banks and asset managers, as well as on-chain metrics for tokenized asset issuance. The $4 trillion target, while ambitious, aligns with broader trends of traditional finance embracing blockchain infrastructure.