Jun 15, 2026 13:03
Standard Chartered forecasts $2.7T DeFi TVL by 2030, driven by tokenized assets. Key growth hinges on adoption, security, and institutional interest.
Standard Chartered projects decentralized finance (DeFi) could grow its total value locked (TVL) to $2.7 trillion by 2030, a staggering 37-fold increase from current levels. According to Geoff Kendrick, head of digital assets research at the bank, the growth will be propelled by tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) and crypto-native assets moving on-chain.
“The next opportunity for generational wealth in digital assets is going to come via DeFi protocols,” Kendrick stated in a research note released June 15, 2026. He estimates the share of tokenized assets active in DeFi—currently around 3.5%—could climb to 30% by the decade’s end. This would require significant scaling of tokenized assets and their integration into DeFi systems.
DeFi’s Current State and Challenges
As of mid-2026, the DeFi sector is grappling with volatility and security concerns. Total value locked in DeFi protocols peaked at $183.4 billion in March 2026, surpassing its November 2021 high, but has since dropped to an estimated $95–100 billion amid exploit-driven outflows and market downturns. The broader crypto market has also seen a 20.4% decline in Q1 2026, reflecting macroeconomic pressures.
Security remains a sticking point. Q2 2026 has already become the most hack-heavy quarter on record, with 70 exploits resulting in $746 million in losses. Over 40 DeFi protocols have shut down this year due to hack-related losses totaling $770 million. Confidence in the sector is directly tied to its ability to address these vulnerabilities, especially as institutional interest grows.
Tokenization and Institutional Adoption
Standard Chartered’s bullish outlook hinges on the expanding tokenization of RWAs. The bank previously forecasted that non-stablecoin tokenized assets could reach $2 trillion by 2028, led by money-market funds and U.S. equities. However, analysts caution that tokenization doesn’t automatically lead to liquidity. Issuing assets across multiple blockchains often results in fragmented liquidity and pricing inefficiencies, which could hinder DeFi’s scalability.
Uniswap, a leading decentralized exchange, was highlighted by Kendrick as a potential hub for tokenized markets. Its scale and reputation across multiple crypto cycles could make it a preferred venue for traditional financial institutions exploring on-chain solutions. “If Uniswap can commercialize enough and create significant TradFi partnerships, its valuation could narrow the gap with centralized players like Coinbase,” Kendrick noted.
The Road Ahead
For DeFi to hit the ambitious $2.7 trillion TVL target, it requires a convergence of factors: rapid growth of tokenized assets, institutional adoption, and robust security frameworks. The current DeFi market cap stands at approximately $102.5 billion, with a stablecoin supply of $319.9 billion supporting liquidity. Nevertheless, the sector must overcome challenges like fragmented liquidity and the persistent threat of hacks.
As institutional players increasingly explore tokenization, their priorities will likely include security, reliability, and scalability. Whether DeFi can meet these demands in the face of ongoing risks will determine whether Standard Chartered’s forecast becomes reality or remains aspirational.
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