Figma’s IPO filing, as detailed in their S-1 registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2025, includes references to “tokenized equities” and “blockchain common stock,” signaling an interest in blockchain-based assets. Specifically, the amended S-1 filing mentions “blockchain common stock” 34 times, a term absent from the original July 1 filing, indicating a potential exploration of tokenized shares for future stock distributions or employee compensation plans.
However, Figma clarifies it has no “specific plans” to issue these tokenized shares at this time. This inclusion, noted on page 83 of the revised S-1, reflects a growing trend of integrating blockchain technology with traditional finance, potentially enhancing liquidity and enabling fractional ownership. The mention of tokenized equities has sparked interest among crypto enthusiasts, as it suggests a bridge between traditional stocks and decentralized finance, potentially boosting sentiment around real-world asset (RWA) tokens like those of Ondo Finance and Polymesh.
Posts on X also highlight excitement about Figma’s authorization to issue blockchain-based stock, with some speculating it could pave the way for broader adoption of tokenized assets. While Figma’s board has authorized the issuance of such instruments, the lack of concrete plans suggests this is a forward-looking strategy rather than an immediate implementation. The company’s focus on blockchain aligns with its broader innovation strategy, including its $69.5 million investment in Bitcoin ETFs and plans to increase crypto exposure by $30 million via USDC stablecoin.
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Tokenized equities, issued on a blockchain, could enable fractional ownership of Figma’s stock, lowering barriers for retail investors. This democratizes access to high-value stocks, traditionally reserved for institutional or high-net-worth investors. Blockchain-based shares could reduce settlement times and intermediary costs compared to traditional stock exchanges, leveraging smart contracts for automation and transparency. Figma’s mention of tokenized shares for employee compensation suggests a potential shift toward crypto-based incentives, aligning with tech industry trends to attract talent in a competitive market.
Figma’s $69.5 million investment in Bitcoin ETFs and planned $30 million USDC allocation signal a broader embrace of crypto, potentially encouraging other tech firms to explore blockchain integration. Tokenized equities fall into a gray area under current U.S. securities law. The SEC may classify them as securities, requiring compliance with existing regulations, which could delay or complicate implementation. Figma’s cautious “no specific plans” language suggests they are navigating this uncertainty.
Issuing tokenized shares requires robust blockchain infrastructure, potentially on platforms like Ethereum or Polymesh, and integration with traditional financial systems, which could pose technical and legal hurdles. By signaling interest in tokenized equities, Figma positions itself as a forward-thinking tech company, potentially attracting blockchain-savvy investors and talent. This could differentiate it from competitors like Adobe, especially in the context of its $26 billion valuation and IPO ambitions.
Traditional stock markets prioritize institutional investors and accredited individuals, with high barriers (e.g., minimum investment thresholds) and centralized control via brokers and clearinghouses. Tokenized equities could disrupt this by enabling fractional ownership and broader access. Blockchain advocates see tokenized equities as a step toward financial inclusion, allowing anyone with a crypto wallet to invest. However, this raises concerns about unregulated markets and investor protection, as retail investors may lack the sophistication to navigate DeFi risks.
Regulators and traditional institutions may view tokenized equities with skepticism due to risks like market manipulation, fraud, or non-compliance with securities laws. The SEC’s scrutiny of crypto assets could slow adoption. Crypto enthusiasts argue that blockchain’s transparency and immutability reduce reliance on intermediaries, challenging TradFi’s gatekeeping. Yet, they face pushback from regulators wary of decentralized systems bypassing oversight.
Established financial systems rely on trusted intermediaries (e.g., NYSE, DTCC) with decades of operational history. Tokenized equities require new infrastructure, raising concerns about scalability, security, and interoperability with legacy systems. Blockchain platforms offer decentralized trust via code, but vulnerabilities (e.g., smart contract bugs) and the lack of standardized protocols for tokenized assets create uncertainty. Figma’s choice of platform (if any) will be critical.
Institutional investors and traditional firms may resist tokenized equities due to unfamiliarity with blockchain or concerns about volatility in crypto markets. The crypto community views Figma’s move as validation of blockchain’s potential, but widespread adoption hinges on educating traditional investors and integrating with existing financial systems. Retail investors may welcome tokenized equities for affordability, while institutional investors could be cautious due to regulatory and liquidity concerns.
The SEC and other bodies will likely scrutinize Figma’s plans, balancing innovation with investor protection. This could set precedents for how tokenized assets are treated under U.S. law. Figma’s competitors may feel pressure to explore similar blockchain strategies, especially in employee compensation, to remain competitive. Projects like Ondo Finance and Polymesh could see increased attention, as Figma’s move validates the RWA tokenization narrative.
Figma’s tokenized equity language signals a bold step toward integrating blockchain with traditional finance, with implications for liquidity, accessibility, and innovation. However, it underscores a divide between TradFi’s centralized, regulated systems and DeFi’s decentralized, disruptive ethos. While Figma’s cautious approach (“no specific plans”) mitigates immediate risks, its exploration of tokenized equities could catalyze broader adoption, provided regulatory and technical challenges are addressed.