Robinhood Expands Crypto Offerings: Launches Tokenized Stocks on Arbitrum and Develops Own Blockchain
June 30, 2025
Robinhood (HOOD), the popular digital brokerage firm, is significantly deepening its engagement in the cryptocurrency space through the launch of tokenized stocks on the Ethereum layer-2 platform Arbitrum and the development of its own blockchain network. This strategic expansion aims to create an integrated, crypto-powered investment ecosystem with enhanced trading capabilities.
Tokenized Stocks Debut in Europe
On Monday, Robinhood announced the rollout of tokenized versions of U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, initially available to European users. These assets are issued on Arbitrum, a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, allowing users access to over 200 equities and ETFs with around-the-clock trading during weekdays. This offering represents a substantial step toward Robinhood’s vision of an “all-in-one investment app powered by crypto,” providing greater flexibility and access to global financial instruments via blockchain technology.
Developing a Proprietary Blockchain Network
Beyond leveraging Arbitrum, Robinhood revealed plans to build its own layer-2 blockchain optimized specifically for tokenized assets. Based on Arbitrum’s technology stack, the upcoming blockchain aims to support 24/7 trading, self-custody of assets, and seamless cross-chain bridging. While the precise launch date has not been confirmed, insiders familiar with the initiative suggest the network could go live later this year or early next year.
Robinhood’s approach differs from many competitors by developing its own tokenization engine rather than partnering with third-party specialists. This move is designed to provide greater control over the infrastructure and user experience, accelerating innovation in asset tokenization.
Expanding Asset Offerings with Private Equity Tokens
Adding to its expanding tokenized asset universe, Robinhood plans to introduce private equity tokens, beginning with tokenized shares of prominent companies such as OpenAI and SpaceX. This offering will further broaden investor access to previously exclusive asset classes.
Chairman and CEO Vlad Tenev emphasized the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and innovation, stating during the launch event in Cannes, France, “We will continue to work with regulators and bring the entire Robinhood ecosystem on-chain.”
New Crypto Features for U.S. and European Markets
In addition to tokenized stocks, Robinhood is enhancing its crypto lineup with several new features:
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Perpetual Futures for European Users: Robinhood is introducing perpetual swap contracts, a popular derivative among crypto traders, available through Bitstamp, a crypto exchange it acquired for $200 million.
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Crypto Staking in the U.S.: Starting with Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL), U.S.-based investors can now stake their crypto assets directly within the Robinhood app to earn rewards.
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Upcoming Crypto Rewards on Credit Cards: Later this fall, Robinhood will enable U.S. customers to receive cryptocurrency as cashback rewards, automatically invested on behalf of users.
Market Impact and Industry Context
Following the announcement, Robinhood’s shares surged over 8%, reaching a new record high of $91 on Nasdaq trading. This growth highlights positive investor sentiment around Robinhood’s push into tokenized assets.
Asset tokenization is gaining momentum industry-wide, with major crypto exchanges like Bybit, Kraken, Gemini, and Coinbase exploring or launching tokenized stock offerings. The sector promises faster, more cost-efficient settlements and continuous trading hours, potentially transforming access to various asset classes. A joint report by Ripple and Boston Consulting Group projects the tokenized asset market could reach $18.9 trillion by 2033. Robinhood’s CEO Vlad Tenev has advocated for clear U.S. regulatory frameworks to enable asset tokenization, viewing it as a method to democratize investment opportunities historically restricted to wealthy investors.
Cryptocurrency Price Snapshot (June 30, 2025)
- Bitcoin (BTC): $106,542.67 (-0.42%)
- Ethereum (ETH): $2,441.23 (-0.86%)
- Solana (SOL): $148.71 (-1.87%)
- Other notable tokens: XRP, BNB, USDT, USDC, DOGE.
About Robinhood
Robinhood Markets, Inc. is a financial services company known for its commission-free trading app providing access to stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies. Its recent venture into blockchain technology and tokenized assets signals a strategic pivot to integrate traditional finance with emerging digital asset solutions.
Reporter: Krisztian Sandor, U.S. Markets Reporter specializing in stablecoins, tokenization, and real-world assets.
Edited by Stephen Alpher.
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