In a groundbreaking move for the crypto and financial markets, Kraken, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has officially launched xStocks, a platform for trading tokenized versions of U.S. equities. Announced in partnership with Backed, this innovative service allows users to trade over 60 tokenized stocks and ETFs, including high-profile companies like Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia, directly on the blockchain.
The xStocks platform, powered by the Solana blockchain, offers 24/5 trading, breaking the barriers of traditional market hours and providing global investors with unprecedented access to U.S. equities. This service targets non-U.S. investors in regions such as Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, addressing geographic restrictions and high fees often associated with traditional stock trading.
Tokenized equities represent a significant step forward in merging traditional finance with blockchain technology. Each token is backed by real-world assets, ensuring value stability, and is tradable on major crypto platforms like Kraken and Bybit, as well as Solana-based decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.
Kraken's initiative, which went live on June 30, 2025, aims to democratize access to Wall Street by leveraging the efficiency and transparency of blockchain. This development is seen as a response to long-standing pain points in traditional investing, such as limited trading hours and complex international access.
While the service excludes U.S. users due to regulatory constraints, it marks a pivotal moment for global investors seeking exposure to American markets. Industry experts predict that tokenized assets could redefine financial markets by enhancing liquidity and accessibility.
As Kraken continues to bridge the gap between crypto and traditional finance, the launch of xStocks is poised to set a new standard for how equities are traded worldwide. Stay tuned for further updates as this transformative platform evolves.
Andrew Lee
