Gemini Unveils Tokenized US Stock Trading in EU With MSTR Launch
By: Eva Baxter
In an ambitious move to democratize access to U.S. equity markets, Gemini, a prominent crypto exchange, has unveiled its latest offering: tokenized U.S. stocks for customers in the European Union. The initiative begins with the launch of tokenized shares of MicroStrategy (MSTR), a firm well-known for its substantial Bitcoin holdings. This product allows users to purchase fractional shares as on-chain tokens backed by actual securities, thanks to a partnership with the tokenization platform, Dinari.
The MSTR tokens will initially reside on the Arbitrum network, providing a blockchain-based venue for 24/7 trading, free from the constraints of traditional markets. According to Gemini, the rollout is part of a broader strategy to blend the traditional finance world with the accessibility of the crypto space. This integration not only enhances liquidity but also facilitates participation in the stock market, even for those far from its physical origins.
With tokenized stocks, investors across the globe can sidestep the typical hurdles of currency conversion costs and access limitations often faced by those in less financially connected regions. In the words of Gemini, “Anyone in the world with a smartphone and an internet connection can gain access to tokenized U.S. equities like MSTR on the blockchain.” The company is set to release more tokenized equities and ETFs soon, reinforcing its vision of exporting U.S. equities globally and paving the way for a modernized financial infrastructure.
Gemini stands out as one of the trailblazing exchanges to bring tokenized stocks to compliance-focused jurisdictions. By ensuring that these digital assets retain the same economic privileges as their traditional counterparts, Gemini is addressing a growing interest in digital asset solutions for the settlement and custody of traditional securities. As Gemini pushes forward with its innovative approach, it sets a precedent in the ongoing evolution of financial markets, melding blockchain's potential with the reliability of traditional equities.
