ARK's latest report: Bitcoin, DeFi, and RWA will become the core of the global capital markets, with digital asset size potentially reaching $28 trillion by 2030

RumbleValidator · 2026-01-22T06:16:14+00:00

ARK Invest's "Big Ideas 2026" report states that Bitcoin, DeFi, and real-world asset tokenization are becoming foundational modules of the global capital markets. By 2030, the total digital asset market size is expected to reach $28 trillion, with Bitcoin accounting for 70%. Despite mature technology and business models, the clarity of regulatory frameworks will be key to achieving large-scale adoption.

RumbleValidator

2026-01-22 06:16:14

Abstract generation in progress

【Blockchain Rhythm】ARK Invest recently released the “Big Ideas 2026” report, which presents an interesting observation — Bitcoin, DeFi, and real-world asset tokenization are no longer just hot topics within the crypto community, but are becoming fundamental components of the global capital markets. This shift will profoundly influence the industry’s trajectory in 2026 and beyond.

In numbers, ARK predicts that by 2030, the total size of digital assets could expand to $28 trillion. Among them, Bitcoin, the elder brother, accounts for about 70%, roughly $16 trillion. Why is the growth so rapid? There are two main reasons: first, various ETFs continuously absorb funds; second, an increasing number of listed companies are including Bitcoin on their balance sheets. Currently, US ETFs and listed companies hold about 12% of the global Bitcoin supply, a significant increase from early 2025.

Changes are also quietly happening in DeFi. ARK finds that the focus of value is gradually shifting from underlying public chains to the application layer. In 2025, DeFi applications are expected to generate approximately $3.8 billion in revenue. Interestingly, lightweight protocols are already competing with traditional fintech companies in terms of efficiency of human resources and asset management, and are even on par.

Looking at real-world asset tokenization, ARK estimates that by 2030, the tokenized RWA market could reach $11 trillion. As of 2025, it has already accumulated about $19 billion, mainly benefiting from assets like US bonds and gold starting to go on-chain.

But there is a key issue. Industry insiders emphasize that the clarity of regulatory frameworks will be a decisive factor. While technology and business models are maturing, if custody rules, compliance requirements, and investor protection mechanisms are delayed, Bitcoin, DeFi, and tokenized assets will find it difficult to achieve true large-scale mainstream adoption. In other words, technology is only half the story; policy is the other half’s key.

BTC1,21%

DEFI-4,06%

RWA-0,16%

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LiquidationWizard

· 12h ago

16 trillion dollars in Bitcoin? I gotta quickly sell everything I can at home and throw it in. What am I waiting for? --- Honestly, this wave of ETF bloodsucking is a bit ruthless. Institutions won't give retail investors free gains. --- 28 trillion sounds great, but by 2030, how many people will still be around to witness it... --- Public companies are stacking BTC on their balance sheets. What does that mean? They’ve already believed, and we’re still hesitating. --- Has 12% already been eaten up? Why the hell haven't I gotten on board yet? --- Is this report reliable? What about those projects Ark previously hyped? --- How much of this share is DeFi? Still, it’s all in BTC. --- Wait, does this mean we can still buy BTC in 2030? Won’t it be mined out by then?

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GasWastingMaximalist

· 12h ago

2.8 quadrillion? Tempting, but I feel like ARK's numbers are still a bit conservative. --- 16 trillion allocated to BTC, that proportion is a bit outrageous... but given the current frenzy of institutional buying, there might be some truth to it. --- The ETF bloodsucking machine is starting, listed companies are following suit, and this wave is mainly big players harvesting retail FOMO. --- 12% of BTC is now in Wall Street's hands, this is becoming increasingly centralized. --- 2030? I only care if there will be a crash next year; ARK's report is a bit too optimistic. --- RWA is being hyped up so much, but how many projects have actually been implemented? Still in the pie-in-the-sky stage. --- Can DeFi still survive until 2030? There are so many hidden risks. --- Talking about the future of digital assets again... Wake up, it's not too late to fix on-chain security issues first.

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WinterWarmthCat

· 12h ago

28 trillion? Hey, that number looks a bit outrageous, but on the other hand, the speed at which institutions are bottom-fishing is indeed getting faster and faster.

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StablecoinGuardian

· 12h ago

28 trillion? That number sounds a bit crazy, but thinking about the speed of institutional entry is indeed frightening. BTC accounts for 70%, which is still a bit hard to understand. Why can't other assets outperform it? How come no one is worried about liquidity when ETF is sucking blood? ARK's report is again painting a rosy picture; the 2030 forecast might collapse at any time. Now listed companies are dealing with BTC, it feels like betting on policies not to turn hostile, which is a bit虚. 12% of the supply is in the hands of the US... If this really spreads out, what chance do retail investors have? The integration of DeFi and RWA feels like the real focus, but no one is paying attention.

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GigaBrainAnon

· 12h ago

16 trillion USD, just thinking about it makes my scalp tingle. Traditional finance is really about to be disrupted.

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