Exchange brings 24/5 access to US equities via blockchain-powered certificates
Kraken has officially rolled out its tokenized securities product, xStocks, to eligible investors in Europe, marking another milestone in the growing adoption of blockchain-based equities. The launch follows months of anticipation after the company’s earlier rollout in global markets outside the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Europe gains access to tokenized stocks
Through xStocks, European clients can now trade tokenized certificates tracking popular US equities, enjoying extended 24/5 access without relying on traditional intermediaries. According to Kraken, the assets can also be moved across compatible platforms, stored independently, or self-custodied — a flexibility rarely offered by conventional brokers.
“Expanding xStocks to the European Union was a natural next step for Kraken, given our dedicated growth strategy and market presence here,” said Mark Greenberg, the exchange’s global head of consumer. “For too long, gaining exposure to US markets has been unnecessarily challenging. With xStocks, we are removing many of those barriers.”
Competitive landscape heats up
Kraken’s move puts it in direct competition with Gemini and Robinhood, both of which already provide tokenized stock offerings in the region. At the same time, Nasdaq has recently filed with US regulators to push into the sector, advocating for listing tokenized securities on established exchanges instead of “siloed trading venues.”
Industry experts see this as a signal that traditional finance is converging with blockchain innovation. Backed co-founder Yehonatan Goldman noted: “This initiative is a clear indicator of the immense market potential for tokenized assets. The future of finance will be built on this technology.”
The Web3 approach
Greenberg emphasized that Kraken’s vision differs from traditional gatekeepers:
“The real technological breakthrough lies in permissionless, interoperable platforms like xStocks. Assets aren’t trapped inside a single exchange, wallet, or even blockchain. They can move as freely as any crypto asset. That openness is the essence of Web3.”
Outlook for tokenized markets
The launch reflects a broader trend of tokenized securities gaining traction across Europe, where regulatory frameworks and investor demand are creating fertile ground for growth. With Nasdaq entering the conversation and major exchanges competing for market share, tokenized stocks appear poised to become a mainstream bridge between traditional equities and blockchain ecosystems.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.