Securitize is set to introduce tokenized shares of top U.S. companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla on its Solana-based trading platform. This initiative aims to make traditional stocks accessible through a blockchain framework.
Tokenized Shares to Launch on Solana with Future NYSE Plans
The firm announced that its new offering, known as Securitize Stocks, will initially feature twelve major companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Netflix, Circle, Strategy, and Palantir. These tokens will be fully backed by actual shares, ensuring that shareholder rights are preserved.
Trading will commence on Securitize's existing platform, where Jump Trading will provide liquidity and transactions will be settled using the USDC stablecoin. Future trading on the New York Stock Exchange's planned digital platform and the upcoming OKXICE Tokenized Securities Venue is also anticipated, contingent on regulatory approvals.
Expansion of Tokenized Stocks
This move aligns with a broader trend on Wall Street to bring equities into blockchain markets, which would facilitate continuous trading, quicker settlement processes, and potential use of stocks as collateral in on-chain lending.
U.S. regulators, particularly the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), are also beginning to explore how to regulate these products. Last month, the SEC introduced an “innovation exemption” to pave the way for new tokenized securities trading venues.
Securitize explained that each token will represent a share while maintaining economic benefits and shareholder rights, such as dividends and voting. However, these tokens will not grant direct ownership on a company's shareholder register, although future conversion options may arise as issuers embrace tokenization.
“The opportunity is to bring equities on-chain without compromising ownership, investor protections, and the market infrastructure that underpin U.S. capital markets,” stated Carlos Domingo, Chairman and CEO of Securitize. He emphasized that Securitize Stocks are developed with this principle in mind, creating a pathway for issuers to engage directly in tokenization.
Additionally, RQD will facilitate the clearing, custody, and settlement processes linking these tokenized shares to traditional securities markets. Ripple Prime is also looking into institutional applications for these assets.
Investors in the U.S., Europe, and other approved markets will be able to trade Securitize Stock tokens during extended market hours, with plans for 24/7 trading access in the future.
The OKX-ICE joint venture recently filed to introduce tokenized stock trading under the SEC's regulations, indicating a growing interest from established exchanges in blockchain-based securities.
“Tokenized equities offer global investors access to opportunities they might not have otherwise accessed, at internet scale,” noted Nick Ducoff, general manager of institutional at the Solana Foundation.