Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov has projected that real-world assets (RWAs) will eventually surpass cryptocurrencies in total market value. This forecast emerges as LINK, the native token of Chainlink, trades at approximately $8.58, with a market capitalization of $6 billion—disturbingly down over 83% from its previous all-time high.
Nazarov highlighted two significant indicators from the current market cycle that differentiate it from previous downturns. First, the absence of major institutional collapses, which marred the last cycle—with significant failures like FTX and numerous lenders—stands out. Despite significant price drops across the board, the crypto market has demonstrated resilience this time.
Moreover, he noted that the growth of RWAs is not contingent on the fluctuating price of Bitcoin. “We have seen RWA issuance continue to grow,” he remarked, referencing the development of on-chain perpetual markets that are now comparable to traditional finance markets in commodities like silver.
Nazarov stressed that tokenized assets, stablecoin proof of reserves, and on-chain fund net asset values are expanding independently of the general cryptocurrency market. He described this trend as producing “unique and durable long-term value” that thrives regardless of market conditions.
Central to this transition, Nazarov indicated, is Chainlink’s leading role in providing data to various major blockchains, boasting over 70% market share. The platform has also recently ventured into partnerships with notable institutional data providers, such as S&P and ICE.
Chainlink’s infrastructure is designed to serve three primary functions: data delivery, cross-chain connectivity to enhance liquidity, and orchestrating workflows through its Chainlink Runtime Environment (CRE), which integrates various systems.
Despite these advancements, community sentiment regarding LINK’s price trajectory remains mixed. Some members expressed optimism about RWA growth’s impact on the industry; however, they cautioned that this might lead to diminished relevance for retail investors as institutional money increasingly dominates the landscape.
Concerns regarding LINK’s low trading price in 2026—hovering around $10—have also been voiced, with one holder questioning the ultimate value of partnerships and integrations in light of stagnant token prices.
Nazarov remained optimistic, asserting that the increase in institutional adoption driven by RWA infrastructure would shape the future phase of crypto’s growth. Yet, the question of whether this rising demand will positively influence LINK’s valuation remains open.
In the rapidly evolving crypto landscape, staying updated with real-time news and insights continues to be a priority for investors and enthusiasts alike.
