What happened
On June 30, 2025, Robinhood announced the launch of tokenized U.S. equities for European users. Over 200 U.S. stocks and ETFs - including Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft - are now tradable 24/5, commission-free, and built on blockchain rails.
What’s the news
Robinhood is also offering tokenized shares of private companies like SpaceX and OpenAI. The service is MiCA-licensed and available across all 27 EU member states. These tokenized equities enable fractional ownership, instant settlement, and borderless access without traditional intermediaries.
Technical foundation
- Robinhood is launching its own Layer-2 blockchain built on Arbitrum Orbit.
- The setup includes a proprietary sequencer that allows full control over transactions and fee capture.
- Layer-2 solutions such as Arbitrum and Optimism settle back to Ethereum mainnet.
Regulatory contextMiCA in the EU and the U.S. Genius Act now provide clear rules for tokenized securities, including one-to-one reserves, mandatory audits, and AML compliance.
Good to know
- Tokenization improves efficiency: automated settlement, faster processing, and global reach
- OpenAI has publicly distanced itself from the offering - there is no official partnership
- Stablecoins and tokenized securities are gaining regulatory clarity and infrastructure - driving institutional interest
