NYSE and Blockchain.com Plot 24/7 Tokenized Stocks for 44 Million Users

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Blockchain.com announced a memorandum of understanding that could bring tokenized U.S. equities and exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) to the crypto platform’s more than 44 million confirmed accounts.

Potential Reach of Tokenized Assets

NYSE, operated by Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), is exploring a digital alternative trading system (ATS) that would allow 24/7 trading of fractional shares, dollar‑sized orders, stablecoin funding and on‑chain settlement. If approved, Blockchain.com users could trade these tokenized securities directly within the app.

Benefits for Both Parties

Blockchain.com would gain a direct distribution channel to its crypto‑native audience, while ICE Data Services plans to share the platform’s crypto market data and analytics with traditional finance customers. Selected NYSE and ICE equity feeds would also appear in Blockchain.com’s interface, potentially alongside Bitcoin and other crypto prices.

Regulatory Landscape

The SEC recently issued a five‑year “Innovation Exemption” that permits qualifying venues to trade certain tokenized National Market System stocks through permissioned automated market makers, subject to shareholder‑rights protections. The NYSE digital ATS still requires separate regulatory approvals before any tokenized stock can be listed.

Market Outlook

Citi Institute projects tokenized assets could reach $5.5 trillion by 2030, driven by fractional ownership, round‑the‑clock markets and faster settlement. However, the MOU does not specify a ticker list, fee schedule, custody model or launch timeline.

Key Takeaways

• NYSE aims to place tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs on Blockchain.com’s platform.
• Blockchain.com would provide NYSE with access to over 44 million crypto‑native accounts.
• The digital ATS is not yet operational and awaits regulatory clearance.
• SEC’s Innovation Exemption creates a limited regulatory pathway for tokenized stock trading.
• Industry forecasts suggest a multi‑trillion‑dollar market for tokenized assets by 2030.