- Kraken: U.S. Crypto exchange that offers tokenized trading for over 50 top U.S. stocks and ETFs like Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia, but only outside the U.S.
- 1:1: Real Stock Behind Every Token: Each digital token is tied one-to-one to an actual stock or ETF held in reserve, mirroring its market price.
- xStocks: New Digital Assets: Kraken is branding these tokenized stocks as “xStocks,” aiming to make Wall Street accessible via blockchain.
Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has announced plans to launch tokenized trading for over 50 major U.S. stocks and ETFs, including Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia, for customers outside the United States.
The digital securities, branded “xStocks,” will be available in the coming weeks to users in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia, with expansion to the U.K. and Australia expected later.
The tokens will be supported by Solana blockchain and issued by partner BackedFi and trade around the clock, allowing investors to buy, sell or hold the assets even when U.S. equity markets are closed.
Kraken says each token will be backed one-to-one by a real share or ETF, meaning every digital token will represent an actual stock held in reserve, mirroring the price of securities such as the SPDR S&P 500 ETF and SPDR Gold Shares
In simple terms, if a user buys a token linked to Apple, Kraken will hold a real Apple share behind the scenes. The token’s price will closely match the real stock’s market value, giving users the same exposure as owning the actual share just in digital form.
For now, the U.S. customers won’t be able to use this new service because of local rules about trading securities. Kraken said it’s working with regulators in different countries to get the required approvals and will block access in places where the service isn’t allowed.
Why Would Users Invest through Kraken Instead of Traditional Stock Markets?
As the cryptocurrency industry keeps growing, many people still worry about the safety and purpose of new blockchain projects, especially ones linked to traditional assets like U.S. stocks. So, it’s fair to ask:
If these tokenized stocks are already tied to normal shares, why would users choose Kraken over a regular stock market?
Here are some reasons:
- Users don’t need to live in the U.S.
U.S. stock markets can be hard to access from other countries. Kraken gives global users a way to invest in major U.S. companies like Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia through digital tokens. - Users can trade 24/7
Traditional stock markets are only open on weekdays during set hours. Kraken’s exchange are available around the clock, even at night and on weekends. The price mirrors the last known market value before the stock exchange closed. - Users don’t need a lot of money
Real stocks can be expensive. Kraken allows users to buy small portions (called fractional shares), making it possible to invest even with a small budget. - No need for a traditional broker
Users don’t have to open a stock trading account or fill out extra paperwork. They can trade directly through Kraken, especially if they already use crypto. - Users can store assets in crypto wallets
These tokens live on the Solana blockchain, meaning users can move them to any compatible crypto wallet, not just keep them on Kraken, just like they would with Bitcoin or Ethereum.
- Lower fees than many brokers
In many countries, using traditional stock brokers can be expensive. Kraken may offer lower fees, especially for international users who want to invest globally.
Kraken is opening the door for millions of global investors who were once limited by geography, market hours, or high entry costs. The idea of 24/7 trading, lower fees, and easy access through crypto wallets makes this offering especially attractive in today’s digital world.
It’s clear that Kraken is optimistic about the future of tokenized assets, and this project shows just how far the crypto industry has come in bridging the gap with traditional finance. But while the technology and timing may be right, the big question remains: will investors around the world trust and adopt this new way of owning stocks?