Standard Chartered Projects Tokenized RWAs to Hit $2 Trillion by 2028, Led by USDT Stablecoins

• Standard Chartered forecasts RWAs reaching $2 trillion by 2028, a 57-fold increase from current levels.

• Stablecoins, with over $308 billion in market cap, are key to accelerating on-chain liquidity and mainstream adoption.

• Tokenized money-market funds and equities could each hit $750 billion, alongside growth in debt, commodities, and real estate.

Discover Standard Chartered’s bold prediction for tokenized real-world assets hitting $2 trillion by 2028. Explore stablecoin impacts and RWA growth in blockchain finance—learn how this shift affects your investments today.

What Are Tokenized Real-World Assets and How Will They Grow by 2028?

Tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) represent traditional financial instruments like bonds, equities, and real estate converted into digital tokens on blockchain networks, enhancing liquidity and accessibility. Standard Chartered’s analysis, led by Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital assets research, predicts these assets will surge from approximately $35 billion today to nearly $2 trillion by the end of 2028. This growth reflects increasing institutional interest in blockchain for efficient asset management and reduced intermediaries.

How Are Stablecoins Driving the Tokenization of Real-World Assets?

Stablecoins play a pivotal role in the tokenization ecosystem by providing stable value transfer on blockchains, bridging traditional finance with decentralized networks. With a market capitalization exceeding $308 billion—dominated by Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC—stablecoins facilitate seamless on-chain transactions for tokenized assets. Geoffrey Kendrick from Standard Chartered notes, “Stablecoins are the gateway to broader RWA adoption, enabling liquidity that traditional systems struggle to match.”

This year, stablecoin volumes have processed trillions in transfers, according to blockchain analytics. Newer stablecoins like USDe, USDS, and DAI further bolster liquidity pools essential for scaling RWAs. Institutional players, including global banks and asset managers, are leveraging these for treasury operations and credit services on blockchain rails.

The integration extends to tokenized money-market funds and publicly listed equities, each projected to reach around $750 billion by 2028. Corporate debt, commodities, private equity, real estate, and investment funds will contribute to the remaining growth, potentially transforming how assets are traded and settled globally.

Source: Kyle Chassé/X

Standard Chartered emphasizes that tokenized RWAs are evolving from niche applications to core components of the financial system. Companies like Oracle and IPDN are tokenizing assets, underscoring the trend’s momentum. Global institutions are building infrastructure for on-chain credit and exchanges, accelerating this transition.

The projected 57-fold growth to $2 trillion underscores the plausibility of blockchain’s role in finance. As adoption intensifies, RWAs could democratize access to investments previously limited by geography or capital requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Factors Will Drive Tokenized Real-World Assets to $2 Trillion by 2028?

Institutional adoption, stablecoin liquidity, and innovations in tokenization technology are key drivers. Standard Chartered highlights that tokenized funds and equities will lead, with supportive regulations and partnerships between banks and blockchain firms facilitating rapid scaling to the $2 trillion mark by 2028.

Why Are Stablecoins Essential for the Future of Blockchain-Based Finance?

Stablecoins offer price stability and efficient transfers on blockchains, making them ideal for settling tokenized RWAs. Their $308 billion market cap, as reported by Standard Chartered, enables seamless integration of traditional assets, fostering trust and liquidity that appeal to mainstream investors and institutions alike.

Key Takeaways

• RWAs Projected Growth: Tokenized real-world assets are expected to expand from $35 billion to $2 trillion by 2028, matching stablecoin market sizes through enhanced liquidity.
• Stablecoin Influence: With over $308 billion in capitalization, stablecoins like USDT and USDC are propelling blockchain adoption beyond crypto enthusiasts into traditional finance.
• Institutional Momentum: Banks and firms developing on-chain infrastructure signal that RWA tokenization is becoming a standard for efficient global asset management—monitor developments to stay ahead.

Conclusion

Standard Chartered’s forecast for tokenized real-world assets reaching $2 trillion by 2028 highlights the transformative potential of blockchain in finance, with stablecoins serving as a critical bridge. As institutions accelerate adoption, RWAs will likely redefine investment accessibility and efficiency. Investors should track these trends closely, positioning portfolios to capitalize on the on-chain finance revolution ahead.