DeFi Set to Challenge TradFi With $2T in Tokenized Assets by 2028: Standard Chartered

Why It Matters

The forecast signals that DeFi could become a mainstream financing channel rivaling traditional banks, channeling trillions of dollars into blockchain‑based assets, and underscores the importance of clear regulation to unlock that growth.

Summary

Standard Chartered predicts tokenized real‑world assets will grow from $35 billion today to $2 trillion by the end of 2028, driven by a 2025 stablecoin boom that is accelerating DeFi adoption. The bank expects tokenized money‑market funds and listed equities to each account for roughly $750 billion, with the balance split among private equity, commodities, corporate debt and real estate. It describes a self‑reinforcing cycle where on‑chain liquidity fuels new products, which in turn attract more liquidity, while noting that U.S. regulatory delays remain the primary risk.