NYSE Signs Preliminary Deal with Blockchain.com to Offer Tokenized U.S. Stocks

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) announced a preliminary agreement with crypto platform Blockchain.com that could enable the company’s users to trade tokenized versions of U.S. stocks and exchange‑traded funds (ETFs). The agreement is a non‑binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines a planned route for Blockchain.com users into the NYSE’s digital alternative trading system (ATS), a regulated venue distinct from a full stock exchange.

Key Elements of the Deal

• Blockchain.com reports more than 44 million confirmed accounts.
• The ATS would allow trading of tokenized stocks after regulatory approval.
• ICE Data Services, part of NYSE owner Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), will sell Blockchain.com’s crypto market data to its clients.
• Blockchain.com will display live NYSE and ICE stock prices within its app.

Features of the Proposed Tokenized Stock Offering

• 24/7 trading on the digital venue.
• Instant settlement of shares and cash.
• Funding using stablecoins (digital dollars).
• Ability to purchase fractional shares.
• Token holders retain dividends and voting rights.

Strategic Rationale

NYSE Group President Lynn Martin highlighted Blockchain.com’s operation in more than 70 jurisdictions as a natural complement to the exchange’s international reach. The partnership follows a recent SEC exemption that allows tokenized stocks to carry the same rights as ordinary shares while prohibiting synthetic copies.

Industry Context

• Wall Street firms are noting the trend, with Cantor Fitzgerald projecting significant upside for firms that tokenize stocks.
• The Citi Institute has forecast a $5.5 trillion market for tokenized assets by 2030.

Neither party disclosed a launch timeline; the next step is obtaining regulatory approval for the NYSE’s digital venue.