NYSE and Blockchain.com Partner to Explore Tokenized Stock Trading

NYSE and Blockchain.com sign agreement for tokenized stocks

The New York Stock Exchange and crypto exchange Blockchain.com have signed a memorandum of understanding to offer tokenized stocks. A memorandum of understanding is a preliminary agreement that signals intent to work together but is not a final contract.

If approved, Blockchain.com users would be able to trade tokenized versions of U.S.-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds on NYSE's planned digital alternative trading system. Tokenized stocks are digital representations of traditional stocks that exist on a blockchain, which is a shared digital ledger that records transactions.

Key details from the announcement

• The partnership was announced in a Wednesday statement.
• Trading would happen on NYSE's planned digital alternative trading system.
• Blockchain.com reports tens of millions of users who could gain access to these digital assets.
• The agreement requires regulatory approval before it can proceed.

What company leaders said

Peter Smith, Blockchain.com's executive chairman and CEO, said that people should not be limited in owning stocks based on where they live or the access they have to brokerages and information. He said connecting to the NYSE digital trading system would extend investment opportunities to millions of Blockchain.com users worldwide.

NYSE Group President Lynn Martin said the future of capital markets belongs to institutions that combine the trust of traditional finance with the innovation of digital assets.

Background on NYSE tokenization plans

In January, NYSE announced it was building a platform for traders to buy and sell tokenized versions of U.S.-listed equities and exchange-traded funds. The platform would settle trades on a blockchain and operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

NYSE's parent company, Intercontinental Exchange, previously announced an investment in crypto exchange OKX earlier in 2026.

Regulatory landscape for tokenized stocks

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved tokenized stocks trading the previous week, according to the report. The article notes that regulators have taken a more friendly stance toward crypto oversight following the election of President Donald Trump, who is described as pro-crypto.

Broader Wall Street interest in tokenization

Traditional finance companies including BlackRock and Franklin Templeton have used blockchain technology to tokenize money funds for years. The report also notes that S&P 500 approved a derivative contract on decentralized exchange Hyperliquid in January, allowing traders to access the stock index around the clock.

Last month, Payward, the parent company of crypto exchange Kraken, announced a partnership with SoFi Technologies to route customer crypto orders through Kraken's institutional platform and list SoFi's stablecoin on the exchange.

What is confirmed

The memorandum of understanding between NYSE and Blockchain.com is confirmed. NYSE's previously announced plans for a tokenized securities platform are confirmed. SEC approval of tokenized stocks trading is reported by the source but was not detailed with specific rule changes or official documentation in the article.

What remains unclear

The timeline for when the tokenized stocks might become available is not specified. The specific stocks and ETFs that would be tokenized are not listed. The exact regulatory requirements still needed beyond SEC approval are not detailed.

Sources

• Bitcoin Magazine

Read also: NYSE and Blockchain.com Partner to Offer Tokenized US Stocks