Blockchain.com, NYSE Explore 24/7 Tokenized U.S. Stock Access
The proposed service would connect eligible global customers to tokenized stocks and ETFs through NYSE’s planned digital trading venue, pending infrastructure development and regulatory approvals.
Blockchain.com and NYSE Group are exploring a service that would give eligible global customers access to tokenized U.S.-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds through NYSE’s planned digital trading venue, extending potential around-the-clock access to a crypto-native user base.
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding Sept. 23. The proposed service has not launched, and no launch date has been announced. It remains subject to the venue’s development, required infrastructure and regulatory approvals.
Blockchain.com had more than 44 million confirmed accounts and more than 95 million wallets as of the announcement. The companies have not specified which customers, countries, stocks or ETFs would qualify.
NYSE’s planned digital alternative trading system is designed to support 24/7 trading, stablecoin-funded transactions and blockchain-based settlement. Michael Blaugrund, vice president of strategic initiatives at Intercontinental Exchange, said the venue would allow tokenized equities to trade “instantly 24/7 against stablecoins.”
The proposed framework would cover Russell 1000 securities and ETFs tracking major indexes at launch and afterward. Tokenized securities would use the same CUSIP number and trading symbol as their traditional counterparts, remain fungible with them and provide the same shareholder rights and privileges.
The framework would take effect only after the Depository Trust Co. establishes the required infrastructure and post-trade services. That condition means the proposal does not give Blockchain.com customers the ability to trade tokenized stocks around the clock today.
Under the data-sharing plan, ICE Data Services would offer clients Blockchain.com crypto data and analytics, and the Blockchain.com app would carry selected feeds from ICE and NYSE.
“Tokenized stocks are one of the most impactful advancements in the modern financial landscape, and a key catalyst for greater economic freedom,” Blockchain.com executive chairman, CEO and co-founder Peter Smith said.
NYSE Group President Lynn Martin said, “The future of capital markets belongs to institutions that unite the trust of traditional finance with the innovation and accessibility of digital assets.”
The proposed connection adds a crypto-native distribution channel to Intercontinental Exchange’s broader effort to develop tokenized-market infrastructure. It follows earlier work on NYSE’s planned tokenized-securities market, while the Blockchain.com arrangement remains exploratory until the relevant systems and approvals are in place.
