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Binance is actively exploring the reintroduction of tokenized stock markets on its exchange after shutting down the feature in 2021 due to regulatory warnings, according to a report published on January 25, 2026.
Binance is considering bringing back tokenised stock trading after dropping the product in 2021.
This means users could buy fractions of stocks like Apple or Microsoft using crypto.
— Moe (@moneyacademyKE) January 24, 2026
A Binance spokesperson said: “Exploring the potential to offer tokenized equities is a natural next step in our mission to bring trad fi [traditional finance] and crypto closer together.” The exchange previously delisted stock tokens in July 2021 following pressure from global regulators who viewed them as unlicensed securities offerings.
The move comes as crypto-native and TradFi players accelerate tokenization efforts. Kraken and Bitget are racing to list tokens tracking U.S. stocks, creating parallel markets beyond U.S. regulatory reach. Third-party issuers like Ondo Finance and Kraken’s xStocks dominate the space, offering “permissionless” tokens that can be traded and held anonymously, popular among non-U.S. investors unable to access traditional brokerage accounts.
These tokens are not actual equities but synthetic crypto representations backed by underlying assets, allowing 24/7 trading and settlement without direct U.S. broker involvement. Momentum in the ecosystem is strong at the moment. JPMorgan has issued deposits on Base and Canton, DTCC and NYSE recorded significant progress on landmark tokenization, and Coinbase, Kraken, and Hyperliquid have all shipped stock-related products.
For users outside regulated markets, tokenized stocks provide access to U.S. equities without the usual traditional barriers, potentially lower costs, instant settlement, and global availability. The permissionless nature appeals to those in restricted jurisdictions.
However, the lack of direct oversight raises a number of risks, including reliance on third-party issuers, potential regulatory blocks, less protection than regulated exchanges, and even liquidity fragmentation compared to NYSE/Nasdaq.
Binance prepping tokenized equities return in 2026. Remember 2021?
They had to pull stocks because of "regulatory clarity" issues.
Irony level high — now the whole space races to tokenize everything TradFi left behind.
Market: https://t.co/vk4uIJNfPe pic.twitter.com/EVTBisxiAk
— Moonami (@moonamio) January 24, 2026
The initial shutdown in 2021 shows regulators can act decisively when tokens cross into securities territory, so if Binance falls victim to the same hurdles, it knows what comes right after that.
With global tokenization accelerating, the race is on to capture non-U.S. demand while staying compliant. Binance’s exploration reflects this acceleration and convergence of TradFi and crypto, but any success would be reliant especially on compliance design. If Binance navigates it well, it could dominate global tokenized equities; if not, expect another forced exit.
For now, the trend is clear and tokenized stocks are moving from niche to mainstream. Users, on their part, must tread carefully and ensure to weigh convenience against counterparty and regulatory exposure. There could be exciting times ahead.
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