Robinhood Markets Inc is planning to launch a blockchain-powered platform that will offer U.S. stocks to European retail investors, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The move will see the brokerage firm pushing further into new markets and exploring real-world asset tokenization.
The initiative, which is still in the early stages of development, will also see Robinhood partner with a digital asset firm for the endeavor.
The report adds that the platform aims to use blockchain technology to streamline the settlement and custody of tokenized shares, offering a seamless investing experience.
Arbitrum and Solana Among Blockchain Options
Among the blockchain networks being considered for the platform are Arbitrum, a Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, and Solana, recognized for its high throughput and low fees. Arbitrum provides strong integration with Ethereum’s existing ecosystem, while Solana’s performance appeals to platforms needing fast and scalable execution.
However, talks are still ongoing and no final decision has been made regarding the network or specific technical implementation. Further details about the platform are yet to be disclosed, and Robinhood has not responded to requests for comment.
The move comes as part of Robinhood’s broader strategy to expand internationally and provide greater financial inclusion through blockchain. If successful, the platform could enable European investors to trade tokenized versions of U.S. stocks, potentially circumventing traditional financial intermediaries.
This development also coincides with a broader interest in asset tokenization among major institutions. Recently, BlackRock has expressed interest in exploring the tokenization of private capital markets, viewing it as a way to democratize access to high-quality financial products and improve settlement efficiency.
Although still in the early stages, Robinhood’s pivot toward blockchain could have significant implications for how global investors engage with the U.S. capital markets.
