Traditional stock markets run on old rules. They’re slow, expensive, and closed more often than theyâre open. But now, tokenized equitiesâdigital versions of real-world stocksâare crashing the gate.
Gemini started the party days ago by launching Strategy tokenized stocks in EU (and more soon). But today, Kraken, Bybit, MEXC, and even Robinhood Europe just opened the floodgates with xStocks: a new way to access U.S. equities, using crypto infrastructure. You get instant, borderless access to shares like AAPL, TSLA, GOOGL, and even entire ETFs. All without the red tape of traditional finance.
This shift is massive. Itâs not just trading stocks. Itâs reprogramming the stock market for the 21st century.
What Are xStocks?
xStocks are blockchain-based tokens pegged 1:1 to traditional stocks and ETFs. Think of them as digitized versions of the real thing: fully collateralized, self-custodied, and usable across crypto ecosystems.
They’re issued by Backed Assets (JE) Limited, a regulated tokenization firm, and trade on high-speed blockchains like Solana and Ethereum.
You can:
- Buy fractional shares (from $1)
- Trade 24 hours a day, 5 days a week
- Withdraw them to your wallet
- Use them as collateral in DeFi
- Avoid traditional brokers, middlemen, and time zones
They’re fast, flexible, and actually kind of fun. Although tokenized stocks are typically not tradeable on weekends (on centralized exchanges), these are withdrawable blockchain assets. Meaning, you can trade tokenized stocks on decentralized exchanges at any time.
Each centralized exchange has its own rules, though. Let’s take a brief look at the offerings by Kraken, MEXC, Bybit, and Robinhood.
Kraken’s Tokenized Equity Launch: Global, Permissionless, Live
Kraken kicked off the movement by listing 60 tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs for non-U.S. clients.
Key details:
- Launch date: June 30, 2025
- Assets at launch: 55 stocks + 5 ETFs
- Notable listings: Apple (AAPLx), Tesla (TSLAx), GameStop (GMEx), NVIDIA (NVDAX)
- Available to: Verified Intermediate and Pro Kraken clients in eligible regions
- Minimum investment: Just $1
- Withdrawable to self-custody: Yes
And itâs just the beginning. Kraken plans to roll out access to 140+ countries in the coming days.
xStocks on Kraken arenât just about investing. They let you use your stock tokensâmove them, lend them, use them in DeFi. Something no legacy brokerage will offer anytime soon.
In the United States, Kraken already offers more than 11,000 US-listed stocks. With a full MiFID license in EU, EMI license in the United Kingdom, and even MiCA license straight from Ireland’s Central Bank, Kraken is the go-to place for regulated and safe trading. Tokenized stocks are just the tip of the trading iceberg, and users in most regions are able to access a variety of trading assets.
Bybit Brings Wall Street to Its Spot Market
Hot on Krakenâs heels, Bybit, the second-largest crypto exchange by volume, joined the xStocks revolution.
Launch highlights:
- Live date: June 30, 2025
- Tokenized assets: Apple, Amazon, Google, Tesla, Microsoft, Meta, and more
- Tradable pairs: COINX/USDT, NVDAX/USDT, CRCLX/USDT, etc.
- Network: Solana (SPL)
- Spot Grid Bots enabled: Yes
- Fractional ownership: Built-in
Bybitâs move syncs perfectly with its recent increase in promotional activities for Bybit TradFi, a unified trading platform for gold, forex, stock CFDs, and now, tokenized stocks.
As Bybitâs Emily Bao puts it, âWeâre giving users powerful tools to trade traditional assets without ever leaving the crypto ecosystem.â
As mentioned, Bybit is a one-stop shop for trading both digital and traditional assets. With the addition of tokenized stocks, Bybit is undoubtedly one of the best exchanges for trading any kind of assets.
MEXC Joins the Party Too
MEXC is the next exchange to jump in. Starting July 1, 2025, itâs listing xStocks on its Spot market.
Listing schedule:
- COINX/USDT and NVDAX/USDT go live July 1 at 10:30 UTC
- Withdrawals open July 2
- Smart contracts: Solana-based
- Supported trading pairs: 10+ of the biggest U.S. tech names
MEXC’s move opens the gates to its global user base, expanding the reach of tokenized equities even further. MEXC will only list a few tokenized stocks initially, but rest assured they will expand the list soon.
One of MEXC’s biggest strengths lies in its no-KYC policy, allowing all types of traders to access margin, derivatives, leverage, staking, or other often restricted financial services. By adding tokenized stocks, MEXC now lets you further diversify your investments and risks.
Robinhood Europe Goes All-In With 200+ Stock Tokens
Because it’s app-only, Cexfinder doesn’t list or review Robinhood. But we still like to keep track of Robinhood since it’s one of the most popular investment and trading apps. Its European arm just launched 200+ tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs, including Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, Tesla, Amazon, and more.
Perks for EU users:
- âŹ0 commission (just a 0.1% FX fee)
- Trade directly from the Robinhood app
- No minimum investment
Robinhood is the first mainstream broker to offer tokenized stocks in Europe. Thatâs huge for accessibilityâand for competition.
Why Tokenized Equities Matter
Tokenized stocks arenât just new. Theyâre better in every way that counts.
Key benefits:
- Global access: No borders, no brokers
- 24/5 trading: Less waiting for markets to open
- Fractional shares: Invest what you can, not what you must
- DeFi-ready: Use stock tokens in smart contracts, lending, staking, and more
- Transparent: Everything’s on-chain, verifiable, and secure
Real-world example: Want to invest in Apple but only have $20? Buy AAPLx. Then lend it on a DeFi platform or use it as collateral. Try doing that with a traditional stock.
How Safe Are Tokenized Stocks?
Every xStock is:
- Fully backed 1:1 by the actual asset
- Held in regulated custody
- Issued transparently under clear legal frameworks
Kraken, Bybit, and MEXC all work with Backed Finance, a Swiss-based firm specializing in compliant tokenization. On the other hand Gemini’s tokenized stocks are powered by a US SEC-registered agent and partner Dinari.
Still, investing carries risks. These tokens donât come with voting rights or cash dividends. Dividends, when issued, are reinvested as more tokens.
Each centralized exchange mentioned has different country restrictions for trading digital assets, so tokenized stocks may or may not be available in your region. Currently, users from USA are typically restricted from tokenized stocks, but can access traditional asset trading through other means or platforms.
The Tokenized Takeover Is Just Beginning
Weâre not just watching a trendâweâre witnessing the rewiring of global finance. These tokenized stocks are on the blockchain, meaning there’s no real barriers for more exchanges to start listing them. In the coming days and weeks we will definitely see more crypto exchanges list these assets or expand existing listings with new stocks.
As Arjun Sethi, Krakenâs co-CEO, put it: âThis isnât a novelty. Itâs foundational.â
Tokenized equities give everyoneânot just hedge funds or high-net-worth individualsâaccess to wealth-building tools. Whether youâre in Argentina or Algeria, all you need is a wallet and a few dollars to invest.
Don’t sit this one out. You can explore tokenized equities today and own a piece of Apple, not just an iPhone.