Binance and OKX To Enter TradFi With Tokenized Stocks
Major crypto exchanges Binance and OKX are reportedly exploring the reintroduction of tokenized US shares.
The transfer marks a strategic pivot to seize conventional finance (TradFi) yields amid stagnant crypto buying and selling volumes, pushing platforms towards diversification into real-world property (RWAs).
A Return to Tokenized Stocks?
This transfer revives a product Binance tested and abandoned in 2021 because of regulatory hurdles. Nevertheless, it might place the exchanges to compete in a fast-growing however nonetheless nascent tokenized equities market.
In April 2021, Binance launched stock tokens for main names like Tesla, Microsoft, and Apple, issued by German dealer CM-Equity AG with Binance dealing with buying and selling.
The service was discontinued in July 2021 underneath strain from regulators, together with Germany’s BaFin and the UK’s FCA. Regulators considered the merchandise as unlicensed securities choices missing correct prospectuses.
Binance cited a shift in industrial focus on the time. However, latest studies from The Information indicate Binance is now contemplating a relaunch for non-US customers to sidestep SEC oversight, making a parallel 24/7 market.
Reportedly, OKX can be weighing related choices as a part of the exchange’s RWA expansion. No official confirmations have emerged from both change, and particulars on issuers, actual listings, or timelines stay restricted.
Citing a Binance spokesperson, the report described exploring tokenized equities as a “pure subsequent step” in bridging TradFi and crypto.
Why Crypto Exchanges Want US Equities Now
Crypto markets have skilled persistent stagnation in buying and selling quantity in 2026, prompting exchanges to hunt new income streams.
“BTC spot buying and selling exercise stays constrained thus far in 2026: Average day by day spot volumes for January monitoring 2% under December and 37% under November ranges,” wrote researcher David Lawant in a latest submit.
Analysts additionally observe that Crypto markets stay largely dormant in January, with volatility and buying and selling quantity pinned close to December’s graveyard lows.
This isn’t calm consolidation however a liquidity lure, the place skinny order books amplify danger and a single poor execution can cascade into outsized losses for overexposed merchants.
Meanwhile, US tech shares (Nvidia, Apple, Tesla) have sustained robust rallies, driving demand among crypto holders, notably these with stablecoin balances, for fairness publicity with out exiting the ecosystem.
Tokenized shares enable 24/7 buying and selling of artificial property that mirror underlying share costs, typically backed by offshore custodians or derivatives moderately than direct possession.
The market, whereas small, is accelerating. Total tokenized inventory worth stands at roughly $912 million, with knowledge on RWA.xyz exhibiting it’s up 19% month-on-month. Meanwhile, month-to-month switch volumes exceed $2 billion, and energetic addresses are surging.
“I’ve purchased NVIDIA on Binance Wallet earlier than. Actually, proper now, the highest precedence for each corporations must be learn how to launch a valuable metals market. Especially silver—other than gold, which is appropriate for bodily storage, the others don’t have a lot storage worth. I’m in China, and even paper silver is difficult to purchase; I can solely purchase ETFs,” one consumer stated.
Analyst AB Kuai Dong famous that official spot markets stay restricted to futures or third-party tokens like PAXG for gold.
Intensifying Competition in Tokenized Assets
This push comes amid a broader race in tokenized real-world property. Traditional gamers like NYSE and Nasdaq are looking for approvals for regulated on-chain stock platforms, doubtlessly clashing with offshore crypto-led fashions sooner or later.
Robinhood has already captured a big share within the EU (and EEA), launching tokenized US stocks and ETFs in mid-2025. Crucial metrics from Robinhood’s choices embrace:
- Expanded to just about 2,000 property with zero commissions,
- 24/5 buying and selling (migrating towards full 24/7 on its deliberate Layer 2 “Robinhood Chain” constructed on Arbitrum), and
- Integration right into a retail-friendly app.
This targets youthful, crypto-savvy customers looking for seamless cross-asset entry. Binance and OKX’s international scale, large consumer bases, and always-on crypto infrastructure place them to problem Robinhood’s EU dominance and increase into underserved areas (Asia, Latin America).
Their crypto-native viewers is primed for tokenized equities as a pure extension, doubtlessly accelerating adoption if launched.
The enjoying area additionally includes a parallel turf war between Robinhood and Coinbase, each of that are constructing “all the things exchanges” that mix shares, crypto, prediction markets, and extra.
Coinbase’s latest additions (commission-free shares, prediction markets through Kalshi, derivatives through Deribit acquisition) straight goal Robinhood’s retail strengths, whereas Robinhood counters with deeper crypto options and tokenized property overseas.
If Binance and OKX proceed, tokenized shares might function a liquidity lifeline, attracting capital again into crypto platforms and bridging TradFi yields.
Success, nonetheless, hinges on international laws, making certain liquidity and monitoring accuracy, and constructing belief amid previous shutdowns.
The submit Binance and OKX To Enter TradFi With Tokenized Stocks appeared first on BeInCrypto.
