Corporations are increasingly moving stocks to the blockchain, reshaping finance as major exchanges support this transition.
The financial landscape is evolving as corporations increasingly adopt tokenization, moving stock transactions to the blockchain. This trend gained momentum in March when major exchanges like NYSE and Nasdaq endorsed the concept.
According to Sebastian Pedro Bea, CTO of ReserveOne, two types of platforms are emerging. U.S. companies such as Securitize and Superstate are developing infrastructure to issue securities directly on a distributed ledger for large corporations, which will streamline processes like dividend payments and shareholder voting.
In contrast, overseas entities like Kraken and Ondo are utilizing a different model. They acquire shares of companies such as Apple and Tesla through specialized vehicles and offer tokens linked to these shares, enabling quicker settlements, despite being classified as derivatives.
Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev referred to the push for tokenization as an "unstoppable train," emphasizing that the pace of adoption now depends on how quickly regulations are established.
SEC's Approach to Blockchain Innovations
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce expressed the agency's willingness to work with asset managers introducing blockchain in traditional finance. In a CNBC interview, she encouraged open communication with issuers to explore tokenized financial instruments.
"Just come and tell us what you are trying to do. We want to work with you to allow experimentation and determine if such products are needed in the market," Peirce stated.
Peirce addressed the SEC's increased scrutiny over leveraged ETFs, clarifying that the goal is not to label products as good or bad but to ensure compliance with regulations and transparency for investors.
As interest in blockchain grows, more companies are approaching the SEC with tokenization proposals. Agency staff are currently drafting a specific exemption to facilitate targeted experiments in trading tokenized securities while upholding investor protections.
The SEC acknowledges the benefits of tokenization, such as faster settlements and fewer intermediaries, but remains committed to maintaining oversight standards. Peirce indicated that while new legal and operational questions will arise, the SEC is prepared to collaborate with market participants to find solutions.
Practical Applications of Tokenization
Amid rising interest in tokenization, the real-world asset (RWA) sector is expanding. The ongoing bear market in cryptocurrencies, coupled with rising commodity prices, has led exchanges to introduce trading for digitized precious metals like gold and silver, enhancing liquidity.
Alexander Peresichan, CEO of TECHNOBIT, noted that the increasing demand for tokenized metals reflects crypto investors’ desire for safe-haven assets without leaving the crypto ecosystem. Instead of selling digital currencies for physical gold, they can easily switch to tokens linked to metal prices.
This trend is being adopted by major platforms; by the end of 2025, Tether Gold (XAUT) tokens were integrated by exchanges such as OKX and Binance. Traditional financial institutions are also exploring digital assets linked to gold with guaranteed returns.
Dmitry Machikhin, founder of BitOK, highlighted a shift in investor behavior, stating,
"Bitcoin has been promoted for a decade and a half as 'digital gold.' And now, during the crypto winter, investors are turning back to real gold, but in token form. Ideology has given way to common sense."
He added that crypto exchanges are evolving into platforms for RWAs, with precious metals being just the beginning. The ongoing bear market is likely to accelerate this shift, suggesting that the industry may not revert to its former structure.
In March, the International Digital Exchange also announced a new coin, LITRO, backed by physical oil, further showcasing the potential of tokenization in diverse asset classes.
