Tokenized Real-World Assets Projected to Reach $30 Trillion by 2034, Experts Debate Feasibility

According to Cointelegraph, the potential for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) to surpass $30 trillion by the 2030s is a topic of debate among industry leaders. In June 2024, Standard Chartered Bank and Synpulse forecasted that RWAs could exceed $30 trillion by 2034, a sentiment echoed by several analysts throughout the year. However, skepticism remains regarding the accuracy of these projections. At the Paris Blockchain Week 2025, a panel discussion moderated by Cointelegraph’s managing editor, Gareth Jenkinson, featured key figures from the tokenization ecosystem, including Charles Adkins of Hedera, Dotun Rominiyi from the London Stock Exchange, Shy Datika of INX, Steven Gaertner of Tiamonds, and Securitize chief operating officer Michael Sonnenshein. While most panelists supported the ambitious $30 trillion estimate, Sonnenshein expressed doubts, citing existing systems that effectively manage traditional assets. Sonnenshein, formerly the CEO of Grayscale Investments, argued that tokenized assets might not achieve the projected $30 trillion valuation. He emphasized that while tokenization offers potential benefits, it is not always necessary for assets that already have efficient trading systems. Despite his conservative outlook, Sonnenshein remains optimistic about the future of RWAs, suggesting that tokenization will continue to attract investors who view their digital wallets as comprehensive investment platforms akin to traditional brokerage accounts. The discussion also touched on the application of tokenization in real estate, a sector where Sonnenshein voiced skepticism. In the United Arab Emirates, efforts to integrate tokenization with real estate have gained traction, exemplified by a $1 billion agreement between local developer Damac and RWA blockchain Mantra to tokenize real estate assets. Despite these developments, Sonnenshein questioned the suitability of real estate as a primary focus for tokenization, arguing that while blockchain technology can enhance efficiency by reducing intermediaries, the current on-chain economy favors more liquid assets. Sonnenshein acknowledged the potential advantages of tokenizing real estate, such as streamlining processes and eliminating middlemen, but maintained that these benefits do not necessarily translate into effective ownership representation. He concluded that the demand within the blockchain economy is currently oriented towards assets that offer greater liquidity, rather than those tied to real estate.