Key facts
- Coinbase has launched tokenized U.S. stocks backed 1:1 by real shares.
- The tokens offer on-chain trading, holding, and redemption capabilities.
- Automatic dividend payouts will be provided to eligible token holders.
- The offering is initially targeted at non-U.S. investors.
- Coinbase aims to become an 'everything exchange' by integrating traditional financial products with digital assets.
Crypto exchange Coinbase has announced plans to launch tokenized U.S. stocks, offering exposure to U.S. companies and marking a significant expansion beyond its core cryptocurrency trading services. The company aims to become an 'everything exchange' by integrating traditional financial products with digital assets. These tokenized stocks are described as real, 1:1-backed assets that users can own on-chain, differentiating them from derivatives or IOUs. Holders will be able to trade, hold, and redeem these tokenized shares on-chain, and will automatically receive dividend payments. Initially, the offering will be available to non-U.S. investors.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong emphasized that the product provides the benefits of true ownership combined with the advantages of tokenized assets, aiming to democratize access to U.S. markets globally. The exchange plans to offer tokenized stocks for companies including SpaceX, Nvidia, Google, MicroStrategy, and Bitmine. This move places Coinbase in competition with other platforms exploring similar offerings, such as Robinhood and Kraken, and global exchanges like Binance and OKX.
Beyond tokenized stocks, Coinbase is also introducing new features such as options trading for both crypto and equities, the ability to borrow against staked Solana, enhanced Bitcoin rewards through its Coinbase One Card's travel portal, and new crypto price prediction markets. The company also recently facilitated the first government-guaranteed Bitcoin-backed home mortgage and is developing tools for AI agents to execute trades.