In a strategic expansion aimed at strengthening its presence in the European market, Robinhood has introduced tokenized U.S. stocks and crypto perpetual futures for eligible customers in the European Union. These services are designed to offer greater accessibility, flexibility, and cost efficiency to retail investors.
Introduction to Robinhood’s New Offerings
The announcement was made by Vlad Tenev, CEO and Chairman of Robinhood, during the "Robinhood Presents: To Catch a Token" event in Cannes. The move signals a significant shift for the platform, evolving from a crypto-centric service into a comprehensive investment hub that integrates traditional equities with blockchain-based assets.
These innovations aim to bridge the gap between conventional financial markets and the emerging digital asset ecosystem, offering users more avenues for portfolio diversification and exposure to U.S. markets.
Tokenized U.S. Stocks and ETFs
Robinhood is launching tokenized versions of over 200 U.S. stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These tokens will provide EU-based customers with exposure to American equities without traditional barriers such as trading hours limitations or high fees.
Key features of Robinhood Stock Tokens include:
- Zero commission and no additional spreads
- 24/7 trading availability
- Support for dividend payments distributed directly within the app
Initially issued on Arbitrum, an Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution, these tokens will later migrate to Robinhood’s proprietary blockchain. This dedicated network is being optimized for real-world asset tokenization and will support features like seamless bridging and self-custody.
Crypto Perpetual Futures for EU Traders
In addition to stock tokens, Robinhood is introducing crypto perpetual futures in the EU. These derivatives will offer:
- Continuous market exposure
- Leverage of up to 3x
- Integration with Bitstamp’s perpetual futures exchange
The full rollout is expected by the end of summer 2025. This follows Robinhood’s recent $200 million acquisition of Bitstamp, which added over 50 global licenses and registrations to Robinhood’s regulatory portfolio.
Crypto Staking and Limited-Time Incentives
Robinhood is also expanding its staking services. While staking was already available in the EU and EEA, U.S. customers can now stake assets on Ethereum and Solana.
For a limited time, both U.S. and EU users can earn a 1% deposit boost when transferring crypto into the app. This bonus can increase to 2% if total community deposits reach $500 million.
AI-Powered Tools and Future Developments
Later this year, Robinhood plans to launch Cortex—an AI-driven investment assistant. Designed to offer curated insights and real-time market analysis, Cortex will help users interpret price movements and macroeconomic trends.
These developments are part of Robinhood’s broader effort to make financial markets more intuitive and accessible. As Johann Kerbrat, General Manager of Robinhood Crypto, noted:
“Crypto was built by engineers for engineers and has not been accessible to most people. We’re onboarding the world to crypto by making it as easy to use as possible.”
Strategic Growth and Recent Acquisitions
Robinhood first entered the crypto space in 2018 and has since significantly expanded its offerings. Recent developments include:
- The launch of micro futures for Bitcoin, Solana, and XRP
- The acquisition of WonderFi, a regulated crypto trading platform, for $179 million
- Ongoing efforts to unify trading, staking, and analytics in a single platform
These moves highlight Robinhood’s commitment to becoming a leading player in both traditional and digital finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tokenized stocks?
Tokenized stocks are digital representations of traditional equities built on blockchain networks. They allow for fractional ownership, 24/7 trading, and often lower transaction costs compared to conventional stock trading.
How can EU users access Robinhood’s new services?
Eligible customers in the European Union can access tokenized stocks and perpetual futures directly through the Robinhood app. Users must meet specific regulatory criteria based on their country of residence.
What is the benefit of using perpetual futures?
Perpetual futures enable traders to gain leveraged exposure to crypto assets without expiration dates. This allows for more flexible position management and the ability to profit from both rising and falling markets. For those looking to 👉 explore advanced trading strategies, perpetual contracts offer a versatile toolset.
Are tokenized stocks regulated?
While they represent regulated underlying assets, tokenized stocks themselves may fall under different regulatory frameworks depending on the jurisdiction. Robinhood operates under licenses acquired through Bitstamp and other entities to ensure compliance.
Can U.S. customers access these new features?
As of now, tokenized stocks and crypto futures are available only in the EU. U.S. customers can participate in staking and deposit boost programs.
What is Cortex?
Cortex is an AI-based assistant that will provide real-time market insights and trend analysis. It aims to help users make informed decisions by simplifying complex market data.