The world of digital finance is evolving rapidly, and one of the most exciting developments in 2025 is the rise of tokenized stocks. Leading cryptocurrency exchange Kraken is at the forefront of this transformation, announcing plans to launch tokenized versions of high-demand U.S. stocks — including Nvidia (NVDA), Apple (AAPL), and Tesla (TSLA) — along with over 50 other major equities and ETFs.
These blockchain-based assets, known as xStocks, will be built on the Solana network and backed by real securities held through Kraken’s partnership with Backed Finance. This move enables global investors to gain exposure to top-tier American companies with the flexibility, speed, and 24/7 accessibility inherent to crypto markets.
What Are Tokenized Stocks?
Tokenized stocks are digital representations of real company shares, issued on a blockchain. Each token corresponds to an actual stock held in custody by a regulated financial entity — in this case, Backed Finance. This ensures that every xStock is fully backed and can be redeemed 1:1 for its cash value.
Unlike traditional stock trading, which operates within fixed market hours and geographic restrictions, tokenized stocks can be bought, sold, or transferred around the clock, across borders, without intermediaries.
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This innovation bridges Wall Street and decentralized finance (DeFi), offering retail investors worldwide unprecedented access to blue-chip equities like Apple and Tesla — assets previously difficult to reach due to regulatory or logistical barriers.
Kraken’s xStocks: Key Features
Kraken’s xStocks platform introduces several compelling advantages:
- 24/7 Trading Access: Trade Nvidia or SPY tokens anytime,不受限于NYSE or NASDAQ market hours.
- Global Availability: Initially launching for users in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia — regions often excluded from direct U.S. equity access.
- Built on Solana: Leverages Solana’s high throughput and low transaction fees for fast settlements.
- Fully Backed Assets: Each token represents a real share held securely by Backed Finance, ensuring transparency and trust.
- Redeemable for Cash Value: Users can redeem their tokens for fiat equivalent at any time.
The initial selection includes some of the most sought-after investment vehicles:
- Nvidia (NVDA) – A leader in AI chips and data center growth
- Apple (AAPL) – The world’s most valuable tech giant
- Tesla (TSLA) – A pioneer in electric vehicles and renewable energy
- SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) – Broad exposure to the U.S. stock market
- SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) – Digital gold-backed ETF
These offerings reflect investor demand for tech-driven growth assets and stable index trackers alike.
Expanding Beyond U.S. Borders
In April 2025, Kraken Securities first introduced access to over 11,000 U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs — but only to select U.S. residents across 10 states. The new xStocks rollout marks a strategic expansion beyond domestic boundaries.
By leveraging blockchain technology, Kraken bypasses many traditional banking limitations, enabling non-U.S. investors to participate in American markets without needing brokerage accounts or navigating complex compliance rules.
This positions Kraken as a pioneer in the tokenized asset space — outpacing competitors like Binance, which previously attempted to launch tokenized U.S. stocks in 2021 but ultimately shelved the project due to regulatory concerns.
Regulatory Engagement and Compliance Strategy
Recognizing the sensitivity of issuing digital versions of regulated securities, Kraken emphasizes its proactive approach to compliance. A company spokesperson confirmed that Kraken is “actively working with various regulators” to ensure xStocks comply with local laws across jurisdictions.
Each region has unique financial regulations, especially concerning securities issuance and investor protection. By collaborating with regulators early, Kraken aims to establish a compliant framework that could set industry standards for future asset tokenization efforts.
Backed Finance’s role as custodian adds another layer of legitimacy, ensuring that underlying shares are securely held and regularly audited.
The Rise of Real-World Asset Tokenization
Tokenization — the process of converting physical or traditional financial assets into blockchain-based tokens — has emerged as one of the most transformative trends in fintech.
As of May 2025, the tokenized asset market has reached a $65 billion market cap, driven by growing interest from major institutions like BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and Ondo Finance. These players are already tokenizing bonds, funds, and commodities, signaling strong confidence in the technology’s long-term potential.
Kraken’s entry into tokenized equities accelerates mainstream adoption, bringing familiar stock names into the crypto ecosystem while maintaining regulatory alignment and investor safeguards.
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Why This Matters for Investors
For global investors, especially those outside the U.S., xStocks represent a game-changing opportunity:
- Gain exposure to high-growth companies like Nvidia during AI-driven market rallies
- Diversify portfolios using familiar ETFs like SPY and GLD
- Avoid currency conversion delays and high international trading fees
- Participate in price movements even after U.S. markets close
Moreover, integrating these assets into crypto wallets allows seamless use across DeFi protocols — think staking, lending, or collateralizing stock-backed tokens in decentralized applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What exactly is a tokenized stock?
A: A tokenized stock is a blockchain-based digital asset that represents ownership of a real company share. It’s backed 1:1 by actual securities held in custody and allows trading outside traditional market hours.
Q: Are Kraken’s xStocks safe and regulated?
A: Yes. The tokens are issued through Kraken Securities and backed by real shares held by Backed Finance. Kraken is actively engaging with regulators globally to ensure compliance in each operating region.
Q: Can I redeem my xStock for actual company shares?
A: Not directly — but you can redeem it for its equivalent cash value. The underlying shares are held off-chain by the custodian.
Q: Which blockchain powers xStocks?
A: xStocks are deployed on the Solana network, known for fast transactions and low fees, making micro-investing and frequent trades more cost-effective.
Q: Who can buy xStocks?
A: Initially available to customers outside the U.S., including users in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. U.S. availability may expand based on regulatory approvals.
Q: How does this differ from CFDs or synthetic stocks?
A: Unlike CFDs (contracts for difference), xStocks are not derivatives. They’re fully backed by real assets and do not involve counterparty leverage risk.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Investing
Kraken’s launch of tokenized stocks like Nvidia, Apple, and Tesla signals a shift toward a more inclusive, efficient financial system. As blockchain infrastructure matures and regulatory clarity improves, we’re likely to see more traditional assets — from real estate to bonds — become tokenized.
This convergence of traditional finance and crypto isn’t just theoretical — it’s happening now.
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With platforms like Kraken leading the charge, investors everywhere stand to benefit from faster settlements, lower costs, and broader access to global markets.
As adoption grows, one thing becomes clear: the future of investing is digital, decentralized, and open 24/7.
Core Keywords: tokenized stocks, Nvidia NVDA, Apple AAPL, Tesla TSLA, Kraken xStocks, Solana blockchain, Backed Finance, real-world asset tokenization