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US-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase is seeking regulatory approval from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to offer blockchain-based stock trading.
Speaking to Reuters, Coinbase chief legal officer Paul Grewal confirmed that the company has filed with the SEC to offer “tokenized shares” to its customers.
The move would put Coinbase in direct competition with retail investment platforms like Robinhood and Charles Schwab, and it could also open up an entirely new line of business for the company.
Tokenized stocks are created by converting traditional company shares into digital tokens. Investors do not own shares directly, but rather the tokens representing those shares. Advocates argue that this model could reduce transaction costs, make transactions instantaneous and enable 24/7 trading.
But critics say there are significant challenges that need to be addressed before such digital assets become widespread. The World Economic Forum highlighted hurdles such as a lack of liquidity in secondary markets and a lack of global standards in a report last month.
Tokenized stocks are not currently legally tradeable in the U.S., but some crypto companies have begun experimenting in this area. Last month, rival exchange Kraken announced tokenized versions of U.S. stocks it calls “xStocks,” which will be offered in select countries.
In order for Coinbase to offer this service in the U.S., it would need to either obtain a “no-action letter” from the SEC or obtain certain exemptions. Such letters provide assurance that the SEC will not take enforcement action against a particular practice.
Coinbase is not currently registered as a securities broker. The SEC filed a lawsuit against the company in 2023 for unlicensed securities trading, but that lawsuit was dropped this year under the Trump administration.
*This is not investment advice.