Tokenization Could Bring $4 Trillion to DeFi by 2028, StanChart Says

Standard Chartered (StanChart) has predicted that the tokenization of assets could attract $4 trillion into decentralized finance (DeFi) by 2028. The bank highlights that this surge in tokenized assets will drive demand for blockchain-native lending and trading infrastructure, making DeFi more integral to global finance.

The report emphasizes that tokenization—the process of converting real-world assets like real estate, stocks, and bonds into digital tokens on a blockchain—will unlock liquidity and efficiency in financial markets. StanChart points to the growing interest from institutional investors and traditional financial firms as a key driver behind this trend.

For everyday users, this means more opportunities to participate in DeFi with lower barriers to entry. Tokenization could democratize access to investment opportunities that were previously out of reach, such as fractional ownership of high-value assets. However, it also highlights the need for robust security measures and regulatory clarity to protect investors.

As tokenization gains traction, users should watch for new platforms and services that facilitate the trading and lending of tokenized assets. The next few years will be critical in determining how quickly this market evolves and whether it lives up to the hype. Read more → https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/05/18/tokenization-push-could-pull-trillions-of-dollars-into-defi-stanchart-says