Coinbase has launched 24/5 stock and ETF trading for all U.S. users, allowing seamless trading of thousands of equities; starting with over 8,000 stocks and ETFs directly alongside crypto holdings in the same app.
This includes zero-commission trading, fractional shares from as little as $1, and instant funding via USD or USDC with extra rewards for Coinbase One members on USDC balances. This move positions Coinbase as an “everything exchange,” bridging traditional finance and crypto.
It partners with Yahoo Finance for one-click trading from research to execution, enhancing discovery and real-time tracking. However, this is not tokenized equity trading yet—the current offering uses traditional settlement (T+1) for U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, with extended hours (24 hours a day, Monday through Friday) rather than full 24/7 blockchain-based trading.
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Coinbase has explicitly stated plans to introduce tokenized stocks in the future. These would enable: Truly always-on (potentially 24/7) global trading. Onchain collateralization of equity holdings. Instant payments backed by stock value. Blockchain settlement for broader accessibility.
This launch builds the foundation for that vision, as highlighted in their official announcement and CEO Brian Armstrong’s comments. Meanwhile, competitors like Kraken are already offering tokenized stocks or related products; 24/7 perps on tokenized equities, and the broader tokenization trend including RWAs continues to accelerate in 2026.
Tokenized stocks represent shares in companies as digital tokens on a blockchain, blending traditional equity ownership with blockchain advantages. Adoption is accelerating—platforms like Binance via Ondo, Solana-based protocols and emerging native on-chain equities are live, while Coinbase positions its 24/5 stock trading as a stepping stone toward full tokenized versions for truly always-on, on-chain functionality.
24/7 Trading and Global Accessibility
Traditional markets close after hours, limiting reactions to global events. Tokenized stocks enable continuous trading anytime, from anywhere with internet—no geographic restrictions or broker gatekeeping. This suits international investors and allows instant responses to news.
Buy tiny portions, democratizing access for retail investors who can’t afford full shares. This promotes inclusion, precise allocation, and broader participation without high minimums. Blockchain enables atomic, seconds-to-minutes settlement via smart contracts—vs. T+1 (or longer) delays.
This cuts counterparty risk (no “someone doesn’t deliver”) and speeds up capital turnover. Smart contracts automate processes, slashing broker, clearinghouse, and custodian fees—often to under 0.1%. Fewer middlemen mean more returns stay with investors.
The standout crypto-native edge: Use tokenized stocks as on-chain collateral for loans; borrow stablecoins against NVIDIA holdings without selling, earn yield in DeFi protocols, provide liquidity, or build automated strategies.
For growth stocks with no dividends like Mag 7, borrow cheaply potentially 5% vs. 10%+ traditional margin while holding appreciation. Immutable blockchain records track ownership, transfers, and proof-of-reserves in real time. Smart contracts can embed features like automated dividends or voting (in native models), reducing opacity and building trust.
Tokenized stocks especially native versions can confer full shareholder rights like voting/dividends in compliant setups, though some are synthetic and wrapped. Risks remain: evolving regulations, platform and custody issues, amplified volatility, and not all versions offer identical rights yet.
Tokenization transforms equities into programmable, borderless, efficient assets—bridging TradFi and DeFi for greater liquidity, inclusion, and innovation. With projections like tokenized assets hitting trillions by 2030, 2026 feels like the real inflection point.