The Rise of Stablecoins and Tokenized Assets in Global Payments

Citibank’s recent forecast that 10% of global post-trade market turnover will be tokenized by 2030 marks a pivotal inflection point for financial infrastructure. This projection, derived from a survey of 537 industry leaders, underscores the accelerating convergence of blockchain technology, stablecoins, and institutional-grade digital asset management [1]. For investors, the implications are clear: the next decade will see a seismic shift in how value is stored, transferred, and settled, creating fertile ground for strategic investments in the underlying infrastructure.

The Stablecoin Catalyst

Bank-issued stablecoins are emerging as the linchpin of this transformation. By pegging digital tokens to fiat currencies, these instruments address volatility concerns while enabling real-time, cross-border settlements. Citibank’s research highlights their role in enhancing collateral efficiency and streamlining fund tokenization, particularly in private markets [2]. For example, Citi’s collaboration with SDX to tokenize shares in venture-backed private companies—launching in Q3 2025—demonstrates how stablecoins can democratize access to previously illiquid assets [3]. This model not only reduces friction in capital allocation but also opens new revenue streams for custodians and asset managers.

Custodians as Central Orchestrators

Custodians are positioned to become the backbone of this tokenized ecosystem. The Citi survey reveals that 76% of respondents are actively pursuing T+1 settlement initiatives in 2025, a trend that aligns with the broader push for faster, cleaner transactions [4]. By managing multi-blockchain operations and ensuring regulatory compliance, custodians will act as intermediaries between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized systems. This role is already attracting heavy investment, with firms like Euroclear and UBS developing tokenized asset frameworks to reduce operational costs by up to 40% [5].

Generative AI: The Unseen Architect

While tokenization captures headlines, generative AI is quietly reshaping post-trade processes. Citibank’s data shows that 57% of firms are piloting AI for reconciliation, reporting, and settlements [6]. These tools not only cut processing times but also mitigate human error, a critical advantage in high-stakes environments. For instance, AI-driven client onboarding systems are being adopted by 86% of surveyed institutions, signaling a broader shift toward automation [7]. Investors should note that AI integration is not a standalone trend but a complementary force that amplifies the efficiency of tokenized systems.

Investment Opportunities in Financial Infrastructure

The transition to a tokenized economy creates three key investment avenues:
1. Custodial Platforms: Firms that secure and manage tokenized assets will benefit from growing demand for institutional-grade custody solutions.
2. Blockchain Infrastructure Providers: Companies like SDX, which offer regulated blockchain networks for asset tokenization, are poised for exponential growth.
3. AI-Enabled Post-Trade Systems: Startups and incumbents developing AI tools for settlement optimization and risk management will capture market share as tokenization scales.

Conclusion

Citibank’s 10% tokenization forecast is not merely a prediction—it is a call to action for investors to re-evaluate the foundational layers of global finance. As stablecoins bridge the gap between fiat and digital assets, and AI automates post-trade workflows, the infrastructure supporting these innovations will become the new “blue chips” of the 2030s. For those who recognize the urgency of this shift, the next decade offers a rare opportunity to align with the architects of a tokenized future.

Source:
[1] Crypto to Handle 10% of Post-Trades by 2030: Citi Survey [https://cointelegraph.com/news/citi-tokenized-assets-stablecoins-genai-2030-trading-forecast]
[2] Citi and SDX Join Forces to Unlock Access to Tokenized Private Market Assets [https://www.sdx.com/news/citi-and-sdx-join-forces-to-unlock-access-to-tokenized-private-market-assets/]
[3] Citi Whitepaper: Global Post-Trade Industry Poised for Further Transformation [https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/citi-whitepaper-global-post-trade-industry-poised-for-further-transformation-driven-by-digital-assets-accelerated-settlements-and-the-adoption-of-ai-302543582.html]
[4] Tokenization Is Bringing Wall Street On-Chain [https://www.21shares.com/en-eu/research/newsletter-issue-260]