Bankers Bet Big on Token Tomfoolery: $2 Trillion by 2028? 🚀💸

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Key Takeaways

What does Standard Chartered predict for tokenized real-world assets by 2028? 

Ah, but what does Standard Chartered foresee? Why, a veritable avalanche of tokenized assets, my dear reader, climbing from a mere £35 billion to a staggering £2 trillion by 2028-liquidity and innovation being their trusty steeds. One might say it’s a bit of a leap, but then again, the world of finance is nothing if not ambitious. 🐎🏗️

How are stablecoins influencing the shift toward blockchain-based finance? 

Stablecoins, those paragons of consistency, have already swelled to a market cap of £308 billion. They are the unsung heroes-or perhaps the unheralded villains-of this blockchain revolution, pushing decentralized finance into the spotlight with the subtlety of a marching band. One can’t help but wonder if they’re the real stars of the show or merely the opening act. 🎭

Standard Chartered, that venerable institution, is whispering of a seismic shift in the global financial order. Decentralized finance, once the playground of eccentrics and enthusiasts, is now a counterweight to the old guard. One must commend their foresight-or perhaps their sheer audacity. 🎩

In a recent analysis, Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, projects that the total value of real-world assets (RWAs) issued on blockchain networks could soar to £2 trillion by 2028. A figure so grand it makes one question whether the Queen’s hat might tip in admiration. 👑🎩

According to the report, the performance of stablecoins throughout 2025 will serve as a key catalyst. A role as pivotal as a well-timed punchline in a Noel Coward play. One can only hope the punchline isn’t a deflationary twist. 🤞

It is expected to drive blockchain-based finance further into mainstream markets, extending its reach well beyond the crypto-native audience. A noble endeavor, though one suspects the traditionalists may require a stiff drink to adjust. 🥃

How much will tokenized RWAs grow by 2028?

Furthermore, the bank projects that non-stablecoin tokenized assets could grow from approximately £35 billion today to nearly £2 trillion by the end of 2028. This would place their market size on par with the projected stablecoin sector-a match made in financial heaven, perhaps? 🤵👰

According to the report, tokenized money-market funds and publicly listed equities are expected to lead this growth, with each category potentially reaching around £750 billion in value. One might call it a waltz of progress-or a tango with destiny. 🕺

The remaining expansion would be driven by tokenized versions of corporate debt, commodities, private equity, real estate, and other investment funds. A veritable smorgasbord of speculation, one might say. 🍽️

To reach the £2 trillion milestone, RWAs would need to grow more than 57-fold from their current £35 billion base. Ambitious? Indeed. Plausible? Perhaps. After all, when institutions dance, the entire ballroom follows. 🌟

Stablecoin growth so far

Stablecoins have already surpassed £308 billion in market capitalization, led by Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC. Meanwhile, newer entrants like USDe, USDS, and DAI continue to enhance on-chain liquidity. A cast of characters worthy of a West End production, wouldn’t you agree? 🎭

In parallel, companies such as Oracle and IPDN are joining the tokenization movement. Their involvement signals that tokenization is no longer an experimental trend; it has become a strategic priority. A transformation as inevitable as the British weather. ☁️🌦️

Moreover, global banks, asset managers, and public companies are actively developing tokenized infrastructure for credit, treasury, and exchange services. This marks a rapid acceleration in the transition of traditional finance onto blockchain rails. One can almost hear the clatter of progress. 🚂

As a result, for the first time, the question is no longer if RWAs will move on-chain. But rather, how quickly the industry will reach the projected £2 trillion milestone. A race against time-or perhaps against the clockwork of fate itself. ⏳

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2025-11-01 04:15