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Reports indicate that major cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance and OKEx are exploring the reintroduction of tokenized US stocks.
This shift represents a strategic shift towards generating traditional finance (TradFi) returns amid stagnation in cryptocurrency trading volumes, pushing platforms towards diversification into real assets (RWA).
Back to tokenized stocks?
This step revives a product Binance tried and dropped it in 2021 Due to regulatory hurdles. However, this will put exchanges in a position to compete in the rapidly growing, but still nascent, tokenized stock market.
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In April 2021, Binance has launched stock exchange tokens For big names like Tesla, Microsoft and Apple, it was issued by the German broker CM-Equity AG, with Binance handling the trade.
The service was shut down in July 2021 under pressure from regulators, including Germany’s BaFin and Britain’s FCA. Regulators viewed the products as unlicensed securities offerings that lacked proper prospectuses.
Binance has signaled a change in trading focus at the moment. However, recent reports from The Information indicate to Binance is now considering relaunching for non-US users to avoid SEC oversight, creating a 24/7 parallel market.
OKX is also said to be considering similar offers as part of… RWA expands to the exchange. No official confirmation has emerged from the exchange, and details of the issuers, exact lists or timelines remain limited.
Citing a Binance spokesperson, the report described the exploration of tokenized shares as a “natural next step” in linking traditional finance and cryptography.
Why Crypto Exchanges Want The US Now
Cryptocurrency markets witnessed continued stagnation in trading volume during 2026, prompting exchanges to seek new sources of income.
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books Researcher David Lawant wrote in a recent post: “Bitcoin spot trading activity remains limited so far in 2026: average spot trading volume for January is 2% lower than December and 37% lower than November levels.”
Analysts also indicated that cryptocurrency markets remained largely dormant in January, with volatility and trading volume near December lows to match.
This is not a quiet consolidation, but a liquidity trap, where weak order books increase the risk, and a single weak execution can lead to significant losses for over-exposed traders.
At the same time, American technology stocks (Nvidia, Apple, Tesla) maintain strong increases, That has driven demand among digital currency holdersespecially those with stablecoin balance, get exposure to stocks without leaving the ecosystem.
Tokenized shares allow 24/7 trading of synthetic assets that reflect underlying share prices, often backed by custodians or third-party derivatives rather than direct ownership.
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The market, although small, is accelerating. The total value of tokenized shares is about $912 million, with RWA.xyz data showing a 19% month-on-month growth. Meanwhile, monthly transfer volumes exceed $2 billion, and active addresses are growing.
“I bought NVIDIA from Binance Wallet before. In fact, the first priority for the two companies now should be how to launch the precious metal market. Especially silver, except for gold, which is suitable for physical storage, the rest is not of great storage value. I am in China, and even paper silver is difficult to buy; I can only buy ETF,” he said. said One of the users.
AB Kwai Dong analyst noted that official spot markets are still limited to futures contracts or third-party tokens, such as PAXG for gold.
Increasing competition in tokenized assets
The push comes amid a broader rush in real-world tokenized assets. Traditional players such as the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq are seeking approval For on-chain regulated equity platformswhich may conflict with external models driven by digital currencies in the future.
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Robinhood has already acquired a significant stake in the EU (and EEA), It has launched tokenized US stocks and ETFs Mid 2025. Key metrics from Robinhood’s offerings include:
- Developed to nearly 2,000 commission-free assets,
- 24/7 trading (going full 24/7 on the planned second layer “Robinhood Chain” built on Arbitrum), and
- Integration into a sales friendly app.
This is aimed at young crypto-savvy users looking for seamless access across assets. Binance and OKEx’s global scale, massive user base and durable cryptocurrency infrastructure position them to challenge Robinhood’s dominance in the EU and expand into underserved regions (Asia, Latin America).
Its native cryptocurrency audience is willing to add crypto stocks as a natural extension, which could accelerate adoption if they launch.
The competition arena is also a witness A parallel regional conflict between Robinhood and Coinbaseboth of which are building “everything exchanges” that mix stocks, cryptocurrencies, prediction markets, and more.
Coinbase’s recent additions (commission-free shares, prediction markets via Calci, derivatives via the acquisition of Deribit) directly target Robinhood’s retail offerings, while Robinhood has deeper cryptocurrency features and tokenized assets abroad.
If Binance and OKX move forward, tokenized shares could be a liquidity lifeline, returning capital to cryptocurrency platforms and tying up traditional funding returns.
But success depends on global regulations, ensuring liquidity and accurate tracking, and building trust amid previous blockages.
