- Coinbase reports stablecoins grew by 48% in 2024, with transaction volumes reaching $27 trillion, reshaping global finance.
- RWA tokenization increased by over 60%, unlocking liquidity in markets like real estate and commodities.
- DeFi hit record highs in TVL, with innovations like DePIN, while regulatory clarity strengthens the crypto industry.
Coinbase has unveiled its outlook for the 2025 cryptocurrency market, underlining five transformative trends that will make all the difference in the crypto landscape in the coming year. The report underlines the growing prominence of stablecoins, real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, evolving institutional demand, decentralized finance (DeFi) innovations, and a global regulatory shift as the key drivers of change.
Stablecoins have cemented their position as one of the most impactful applications of blockchain technology. In 2024, their market capitalization surged by 48%, reaching a staggering $193 billion as of December 1st. This growth was propelled by increasing use cases outside of trading, including global commerce and cross-border capital flows. Coinbase projects this momentum will continue, with stablecoins playing a pivotal role in reshaping global finance.
Transaction volumes of the stablecoin reached over $27 trillion in 2024, up threefold from the previous year. The surging growth indicates its usefulness and dependability within an erratic financial world.
Coinbase Highlights RWA Tokenization Growth
The tokenization of real-world assets became one of the main focuses in 2024, growing by more than 60% to reach a market value of $13.5 billion. According to Coinbase’s report, this is where RWA tokenization can transform financial transactions. Tokenization can unlock liquidity and improve access to traditionally illiquid markets by digitizing assets such as private credit, corporate bonds, real estate, and commodities.
Institutional interest in cryptocurrencies continues to evolve, and the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs has represented a milestone in this process. These products have reshaped market dynamics, driving a wave of institutional capital. According to Coinbase, further developments could well include ETFs for XRP, Solana, and Litecoin.
The report also focuses on innovations that can help enhance the appeal of ETFs, including creations by means of in-kind and staking mechanisms. Such features would narrow the bid-ask spread and help them track better with net asset values, hence making them more appealing to investors.
DeFi Resurgence Reaches Record Highs in TVL
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) protocols and exchanges have been resilient, bounced back from each setback, and achieved all-time highs in total value locked (TVL). Emerging applications like decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) and prediction markets evidence a new phase of innovation for the DeFi sector. These advancements highlight the adaptability of DeFi, which continues to expand its footprint in the broader financial ecosystem.
Regulatory clarity will be a game-changer for the cryptocurrency industry. A report by Coinbase points toward a pro-crypto shift in the United States, with bipartisan support building in Congress to pave the way for comprehensive legislation. Other expected milestones in 2025 include stablecoin legislation and the end of regulation-by-enforcement practices.
On a global scale, a robust digital-asset framework is being seriously developed and further legitimized through G20 nations and in conjunction with other major financial ecosystems.
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