Overview
- Binance said reintroducing tokenized equities is a natural next step to connect traditional finance with crypto while maintaining compliance.
- OKX is evaluating tokenized stock offerings, and rivals such as Robinhood, Gemini, and Kraken have launched versions in Europe as Coinbase, NYSE, and Nasdaq pursue tokenized-securities plans.
- Binance’s earlier stock tokens, launched in 2021, were withdrawn after Germany’s BaFin raised securities concerns and the UK’s FCA ordered a halt to regulated activities.
- Tokenized shares typically offer 24/7, fractional exposure that tracks U.S. stocks through derivative structures or offshore custodians rather than direct share ownership.
- Regulatory uncertainty remains significant, with reports indicating Binance may focus on non-U.S. users to avoid SEC oversight and with Coinbase’s CEO warning a pending U.S. bill could act as a de facto ban on tokenized equities.