Standard Chartered Predicts Boom in Non-Stablecoin Asset Tokenization

Standard Chartered's latest research forecasts a seismic shift in tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), projecting exponential growth beyond stablecoins over the next five years. The bank identifies regulatory clarity and strategic focus on high-value use cases as key catalysts for this transformation.

While stablecoins currently dominate blockchain-based RWAs with $150 billion in circulation, tokenized private credit, securitized debt, and commodities languish at just $2 billion. This disparity stems from fragmented regulations and misguided early projects targeting low-impact sectors.

"The industry's tunnel vision on stablecoins has obscured more transformative opportunities," said Geoffrey Kendrick, Standard Chartered's head of digital assets research. Private credit emerges as the proof-of-concept, demonstrating blockchain's ability to unlock liquidity in traditionally illiquid markets.