Why AI, Stablecoins, and Tokenization May Define Crypto’s Next Phase

TLDR:

• Stablecoin market cap reaches $317.8 billion, reinforcing role as settlement layer for AI agents
• Tokenized RWAs hit $28.25 billion onchain, but only $3.03 billion active within DeFi protocols
• DeFi total value locked stands near $91.7 billion across protocols, signaling steady capital base
• Analyst frames AI as execution layer, automating capital routing and risk management onchain

Top analyst Tanaka believes the convergence of artificial intelligence, stablecoins, and tokenized real-world assets represents the most important trend shaping crypto markets today.

Each sector addresses a distinct gap in the financial system, and combined, they form a framework for automated, programmable finance operating around the clock.

Stablecoins Provide the Settlement Layer for AI-Driven Finance

Stablecoins have already achieved strong product-market fit within the crypto sector. They are widely used for settlement, payments, treasury management, and cross-border transfers. The current stablecoin market cap stands near $317.8 billion, reflecting steady adoption.

According to Tanaka, AI agents require a reliable money layer to function effectively. These systems can search, compare, execute trades, and rebalance portfolios automatically. However, automated agents cannot depend on slow traditional banking rails for every transaction.

Programmable dollars offered through stablecoins solve this problem directly. They allow AI systems to move value instantly without intermediaries.

This shift marks a departure from the previous cycle, which centered on human users manually clicking buttons.

The next cycle may instead be driven by automated agents making frequent financial decisions. This creates rising demand for cheap settlement, liquid stablecoins, and reliable onchain pricing. Permissioned and permissionless asset rails will also become increasingly important infrastructure components.

Tokenized Assets Form the Collateral Layer for Onchain Capital

Tokenization represents the next major layer within this evolving framework, according to Tanaka’s analysis. Real-world assets currently sit at approximately $28.25 billion onchain. However, only about $3.03 billion of that figure remains active within DeFi protocols.

This gap between total tokenized value and active DeFi participation carries weight. It suggests that most tokenized assets remain in early issuance phases. The next opportunity emerges when these assets become usable collateral and liquidity sources.

Tanaka is monitoring several projects working within this space closely. Mentioned candidates include Hyperliquid, Ondo Finance, Sky Ecosystem, Maple Finance, and Clearpool. Other names include Goldfinch, Pendle, Morpho, On Re, and Figure.

Macro conditions will influence how this space develops moving forward. If risk-free rates remain meaningful, onchain capital will compare DeFi yield against Treasury yield. Should rates decline, risk appetite may return alongside demand for cleaner collateral.

Tokenized Treasuries, money market funds, and private credit all matter here. Tokenized gold and tokenized equities also bring familiar assets onchain. These instruments allow traditional financial products to operate within a 24/7 system.

DeFi’s total value locked currently sits around $91.7 billion across protocols. Meanwhile, the number of RWA asset issuers has grown to 161. Tanaka’s framework positions stablecoins as settlement, tokenized assets as collateral, and AI as execution.

Together, these three sectors create a system where capital moves with reduced friction. AI without stablecoins lacks a native payment rail for transactions.

Stablecoins without tokenization primarily move dollars between parties. Tokenization without DeFi and AI risks remaining passive onchain certificates.

The post Why AI, Stablecoins, and Tokenization May Define Crypto’s Next Phase appeared first on Blockonomi.