Are RWAs, DePIN Networks, and DeAI Set to Transform Crypto Markets in 2025?

• RWAs hit $22.5B in May 2025, projected to reach $50B by year-end, driven by DeFi growth.
• DePIN market projected to hit $3.5T by 2028, transforming physical infrastructure.
• The DeAI sector grows alongside RWAs and DePINs, powered by networks like Akash.

Real-world asset (RWA) tokenization is gaining traction in 2025 as it connects traditional finance with decentralized finance (DeFi). RWA includes converting assets such as real estate, commodities, and government bonds on blockchain networks. 

The sector has experienced consistent growth, with on-chain RWAs reaching $22.5 billion by May 2025, an increase of nearly 7% in the past 30 days. Analysts predict the sector will grow to $50 billion by year-end, with long-term projections of reaching $10 trillion by 2030. According to figures from RWA.xyz, the total issuance volume of stock RWAs has hit $445.40 million.

Institutional players such as BlackRock, Fidelity, and Goldman Sachs are driving RWAs. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) held a tokenization roundtable in May 2025, a signal of regulatory progress. These developments indicate a future in which RWAs will emerge as a dominant force in the 2025 crypto cycle.

DePIN – Redefining Physical Infrastructure through Decentralization

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) refers to an emerging market aimed at decentralized physical infrastructure, including computing, storage, and connectivity. Using blockchain technology, DePINs establish decentralized networks that reward contributors for infrastructure. This change could upend telecommunications, IoT, and AI industries. DePIN’s market is reportedly projected to reach $3.5 trillion by 2028.

Leading projects in decentralized computing and connectivity include Theta Network and Akash Network. Theta’s EdgeCloud and Akash’s cost-competitive cloud services deliver blockchain solutions for AI workloads and IoT applications.

DePIN may provide scalable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional systems with the development of decentralized infrastructure. The increased interest in decentralized energy grids and smart cities continues to make DePINs a key player in the development of Web3.

Decentralized Artificial Intelligence (DeAI): Decentralizing Intelligence

Decentralized Artificial Intelligence (DeAI) combines blockchain and AI and creates decentralized and transparent AI ecosystems free from censorship. The DeAI sector is expected to grow alongside RWAs and DePINs, supported by advancements in decentralized computing power offered by networks like Akash. DeAI platforms like SingularityNET and Fetch.ai allow building AI models in a decentralized manner, promoting cooperation and increasing privacy.

Related: AI Crypto Sector Soars Past $41 Billion: TAO, FET, NEAR, ICP, RENDER Lead Gains

The AI and RWA crypto token market is already worth over $65 billion. With further investment in AI infrastructure, DeAI has the potential to grab a significant market share by 2025. However, scalability, regulatory obstacles, and algorithm bias risk must be addressed. Nonetheless, DeAI’s potential to democratize AI development positions it as a strong contender in the 2025 crypto cycle.

Interconnected Growth: Synergies Between RWA, DePIN, and DeAI

RWAs, DePINs, and DeAI are becoming increasingly interconnected. RWA tokenization provides liquidity to DePIN projects, whereas DePIN infrastructure supports computing power for DeAI. Platforms such as RWA Inc. are already working towards tokenizing DePIN assets, indicating possibilities in corporate relations between the two. With the evolution of regulatory frameworks and continued investment in these technologies, the synergy between RWAs, DePINs, and DeAI could position them at the forefront of the 2025 crypto cycle.