Chainlink exec says tokenized assets need to work, not just exist, to achieve mass adoption

Andrew McCormick of Chainlink Labs emphasizes that the next phase of RWA tokenization must shift from simple asset issuance to creating functional utility for on-chain assets. Highlighting the $50 trillion collateral opportunity, McCormick points to the collaboration between Chainlink and the Depository Trust & Clearing Corp. (DTCC) as a critical development for market infrastructure. The DTCC is currently developing its Collateral AppChain, which utilizes Chainlink’s technology to enable cross-chain repurchase agreements and 24/7 collateral mobility. While the current non-stablecoin tokenized market is valued at approximately $47.6 billion, institutional forecasts suggest growth reaching between $2 trillion and $10 trillion by 2030. McCormick identifies tokenized equities, tokenized deposits, and collateralized lending as the primary drivers for this expansion. By enabling assets to be used as collateral for loans, the industry aims to unlock liquidity from the estimated $300 trillion in global high-quality liquid assets. This evolution is essential for moving beyond mere tokenization toward a more efficient, automated, and interconnected global financial system.