The Stock Market Never Sleeps—Crypto Exchange Kraken to Launch 24/7 Trading of Apple, Tesla and 50+ U.S. Stocks on Solana

Kraken Set to Launch Tokenized U.S. Stocks for International Investors

Kraken is preparing to introduce tokenized versions of over 50 major U.S. stocks and ETFs, including Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia, targeting clients outside the United States.

The new product, named xStocks, will operate on the Solana blockchain and allow trading around the clock—mirroring the 24/7 nature of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

This development follows years of legal battles with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over the exchange’s digital asset offerings.

How Will Kraken’s Tokenized Stocks Work

The xStocks tokens represent actual shares held 1:1 by Backed Finance, a company specialising in blockchain-based financial assets and partnering with Kraken for this initiative.

Each token acts as a digital equivalent of a single share, allowing investors to buy fractional ownership, which lowers the barrier to entry for retail traders.

Unlike traditional brokerage accounts, these tokenised equities can be traded any time of day, providing continuous market access beyond standard stock exchange hours.

Because the tokens are issued as SPL tokens on the Solana blockchain, they integrate seamlessly with wallets and protocols on the network.

This also opens the possibility for token holders to use their assets within decentralised finance (DeFi) platforms, including using tokens as collateral.

Why Is Kraken Targeting Markets Outside the U.S.

Kraken’s xStocks product will be available only to non-U.S. customers due to regulatory restrictions.

The exchange already offers a traditional brokerage platform in the U.S. with access to over 11,000 stocks and ETFs, but xStocks extends market access to global investors through a blockchain-based model.

By eliminating intermediaries and local brokerage fees, Kraken aims to provide a more accessible and cost-effective option for international investors interested in major American companies.

This move aligns with a broader trend where firms like Robinhood and BlackRock are exploring tokenisation to broaden market reach.

How Tokenised Stocks Could Change Global Investing

Kraken’s push into tokenised equities marks a significant step in merging traditional finance with blockchain technology.

Mark Greenberg, Kraken’s Global Head of Consumer, said,

“We’re reimagining equities investing and ushering in a new wave of demand from clients seeking better alternatives to the status quo. Access to traditional U.S. equities remains slow, costly, and restricted. With xStocks, we’re using blockchain technology to deliver something better, open, instant, accessible, and borderless exposure to some of America’s most iconic companies.”

The initiative builds on Kraken’s recent expansion into equities trading for U.S. clients and its launch of crypto derivatives in Europe under a Cyprus licence.

By leveraging the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, Kraken aims to offer crypto derivatives and tokenised stocks across the European Economic Area and beyond.

Will This Time Be Different from Past Tokenised Stock Attempts

This is not the first time a crypto exchange has tried to offer tokenised stocks.

Binance launched a similar product in 2021 but had to discontinue it following regulatory pushback.

Kraken’s approach differs by fully backing each token with real securities held in custody, potentially reducing some regulatory concerns.

With regulators in the U.S. and some global markets becoming more receptive to crypto infrastructure, Kraken is positioning itself at the forefront of this emerging sector.

The 24/7 tradability and blockchain integration give tokenised stocks an edge over traditional brokerage offerings, particularly for investors outside the U.S.

Expansion plans include rolling out xStocks in regions such as the UK, Europe, and Australia, further broadening access to U.S. equities through a blockchain format.