Main crypto exchanges Binance and OKX are reportedly exploring the reintroduction of tokenized US shares.
The transfer marks a strategic pivot to seize conventional finance (TradFi) yields amid stagnant crypto buying and selling volumes, pushing platforms towards diversification into real-world belongings (RWAs).
A Return to Tokenized Shares?
This transfer revives a product Binance examined and deserted in 2021 as a consequence of regulatory hurdles. Nonetheless, it could place the exchanges to compete in a fast-growing however nonetheless nascent tokenized equities market.
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In April 2021, Binance launched inventory tokens for main names like Tesla, Microsoft, and Apple, issued by German dealer CM-Fairness AG with Binance dealing with buying and selling.
The service was discontinued in July 2021 beneath strain from regulators, together with Germany’s BaFin and the UK’s FCA. Regulators seen the merchandise as unlicensed securities choices missing correct prospectuses.
Binance cited a shift in industrial focus on the time. Nonetheless, current studies from The Info point out Binance is now contemplating a relaunch for non-US customers to sidestep SEC oversight, making a parallel 24/7 market.
Reportedly, OKX can be weighing related choices as a part of the alternate’s RWA enlargement. No official confirmations have emerged from both alternate, and particulars on issuers, precise listings, or timelines stay restricted.
Citing a Binance spokesperson, the report described exploring tokenized equities as a “natural next step” in bridging TradFi and crypto.
CRYPTO EXCHANGES WANT TO TRADE U.S. STOCKS EVERYWHERE: THE INFORMATION
A few of the world’s largest crypto exchanges are racing to let their clients commerce crypto tokens that search to trace U.S. shares, making a parallel market that’s past the attain of U.S. regulators.…
— *Walter Bloomberg (@DeItaone) January 23, 2026
Why Crypto Exchanges Need US Equities Now
Crypto markets have skilled persistent stagnation in buying and selling quantity in 2026, prompting exchanges to hunt new income streams.
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“BTC spot trading activity remains constrained so far in 2026: Average daily spot volumes for January tracking 2% below December and 37% below November levels,” wrote researcher David Lawant in a current submit.
Analysts additionally notice that Crypto markets stay largely dormant in January, with volatility and buying and selling quantity pinned close to December’s graveyard lows.
OKX Perps Volatility and Quantity. Supply: ApexWhaleNexus on X
This isn’t calm consolidation however a liquidity entice, the place skinny order books amplify threat and a single poor execution can cascade into outsized losses for overexposed merchants.
📊 Crypto Market Abstract — January 17, 2026
The crypto market is transferring largely sideways at this time with low volatility. Complete market capitalization has dipped barely by -0.24% to round $3.22T (down from $3.23T yesterday). Complete 24h buying and selling quantity additionally decreased to roughly… pic.twitter.com/Fl0yrc38eR
— Crypto 💎Finest (@best_cryptobest) January 17, 2026
In the meantime, US tech shares (Nvidia, Apple, Tesla) have sustained sturdy rallies, driving demand amongst crypto holders, significantly these with stablecoin balances, for fairness publicity with out exiting the ecosystem.
Tokenized shares enable 24/7 buying and selling of artificial belongings that mirror underlying share costs, usually backed by offshore custodians or derivatives quite than direct possession.
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The market, whereas small, is accelerating. Complete tokenized inventory worth stands at roughly $912 million, with knowledge on RWA.xyz exhibiting it’s up 19% month-on-month. In the meantime, month-to-month switch volumes exceed $2 billion, and lively addresses are surging.
“I’ve bought NVIDIA on Binance Wallet before. Actually, right now, the top priority for both companies should be how to launch a precious metals market. Especially silver—apart from gold, which is suitable for physical storage, the others don’t have much storage value. I’m in China, and even paper silver is hard to buy; I can only buy ETFs,” one consumer said.
Analyst AB Kuai Dong famous that official spot markets stay restricted to futures or third-party tokens like PAXG for gold.
Intensifying Competitors in Tokenized Belongings
This push comes amid a broader race in tokenized real-world belongings. Conventional gamers like NYSE and Nasdaq are looking for approvals for regulated on-chain inventory platforms, doubtlessly clashing with offshore crypto-led fashions sooner or later.
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Robinhood has already captured a big share within the EU (and EEA), launching tokenized US shares and ETFs in mid-2025. Essential metrics from Robinhood’s choices embody:
- Expanded to almost 2,000 belongings with zero commissions,
- 24/5 buying and selling (migrating towards full 24/7 on its deliberate Layer 2 “Robinhood Chain” constructed on Arbitrum), and
- Integration right into a retail-friendly app.
This targets youthful, crypto-savvy customers looking for seamless cross-asset entry. Binance and OKX’s international scale, huge consumer bases, and always-on crypto infrastructure place them to problem Robinhood’s EU dominance and increase into underserved areas (Asia, Latin America).
Their crypto-native viewers is primed for tokenized equities as a pure extension, doubtlessly accelerating adoption if launched.
The enjoying discipline additionally includes a parallel turf struggle between Robinhood and Coinbase, each of that are constructing “everything exchanges” that mix shares, crypto, prediction markets, and extra.
Coinbase’s current additions (commission-free shares, prediction markets by way of Kalshi, derivatives by way of Deribit acquisition) immediately goal Robinhood’s retail strengths, whereas Robinhood counters with deeper crypto options and tokenized belongings overseas.
If Binance and OKX proceed, tokenized shares might function a liquidity lifeline, attracting capital again into crypto platforms and bridging TradFi yields.
Success, nonetheless, hinges on international rules, making certain liquidity and monitoring accuracy, and constructing belief amid previous shutdowns.
