The cryptocurrency exchange Kraken is set to launch tokenized versions of over 50 publicly traded stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including high-profile names like Apple $AAPL, Tesla $TSLA, and Nvidia $NVDA, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the convergence of traditional equity markets and digital asset infrastructure. Through tokenization — a process by which a digital representation of a real-world asset is issued on a blockchain — Kraken aims to provide non-U.S. investors with the ability to trade fractional shares of major companies without accessing conventional stock exchanges.
The move underscores growing interest among crypto platforms to replicate real-world securities in blockchain-native formats, thus enabling broader market access and higher trading efficiency in cross-border scenarios.
Kraken’s expansion into tokenized securities reflects a broader industry trend towards financial instrument digitization, where blockchain is leveraged to enhance transparency, settlement speed, and asset divisibility. Unlike derivatives or CFDs, these tokenized stocks represent ownership claims backed by custodial holdings or authorized synthetic exposure mechanisms.
While U.S. investors are currently excluded due to regulatory barriers, the offering will allow users in select jurisdictions to trade shares of firms like Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia through digital tokens — a practice that could disrupt the current broker-dealer model if adopted at scale.
Tokenized equity products also introduce possibilities for 24/7 trading, automated compliance via smart contracts, and democratized portfolio construction by reducing minimum investment thresholds.
Platform: Kraken (crypto exchange)
Assets Covered: 50+ tokenized stocks and ETFs
Notable Stocks: Apple, Tesla, Nvidia
Product Type: Blockchain-based synthetic securities
Target Audience: Non-U.S. investors
Mechanism: Ownership through token representation, not direct equity holding
The launch of tokenized stocks on Kraken has sparked discussion across the fintech and investment communities. Proponents argue that tokenized equity enhances capital market inclusivity and liquidity, especially for retail investors in regions with limited brokerage infrastructure.
However, critics point to unresolved legal and regulatory risks, particularly around custody, investor protection, and jurisdictional compliance. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other national regulators remain cautious regarding tokenized securities, especially when such offerings resemble public equities.
Meanwhile, tokenization is gaining traction globally — from experiments in bond markets to real estate — suggesting Kraken’s move may presage broader institutional adoption.
Kraken’s tokenized equities will initially exclude U.S. users due to unresolved regulatory constraints.
Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia shares will be tradable in digital form via tokens on blockchain infrastructure.
Tokenized ETFs will be introduced alongside stocks, expanding investment options.
24/7 trading could become standard in tokenized asset markets, in contrast to traditional market hours.
Tokenization trend gaining institutional momentum, with other platforms and custodians preparing similar offerings.
Kraken’s move to launch tokenized versions of Apple, Tesla, Nvidia, and other major equities is a major milestone in bridging the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). This initiative underscores the transformative potential of blockchain in reshaping asset ownership, market access, and investment liquidity.
While regulatory questions persist — particularly for U.S.-based participants — the tokenization of stocks represents a long-term shift toward digitized, borderless capital markets. As infrastructure, legal frameworks, and investor education evolve, tokenized securities could become a core component of global financial ecosystems.
Such moves demonstrate how automation is becoming central to long-term value creation
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