NYSE, Blockchain.com sign MOU for 24/7 tokenized market

On Sept. 23, NYSE and Blockchain.com signed a memorandum of understanding that could make Blockchain.com a gateway to the NYSE’s planned 24/7 marketplace for tokenized U.S. stocks and exchange-traded funds, and create a two-way market-data link, subject to regulatory approval.

Under the agreement, Blockchain.com users could gain access to U.S.-listed shares and ETFs on the NYSE digital venue once regulators approve. The planned platform is designed for round-the-clock trading, fractional orders, immediate on-chain settlement and funding via stablecoins, while preserving shareholder rights including dividends and voting.

Per the memorandum, ICE Data Services will distribute Blockchain.com crypto pricing and analytics to institutional data subscribers. Blockchain.com will integrate ICE and NYSE feeds into its consumer app and use portions of the data in its AI market assistant, June.

Blockchain.com reports more than 44 million confirmed accounts and already distributes tokenized U.S. equity exposure through a partnership with Ondo Finance. It has rolled out tokenized products in Europe, Nigeria and parts of South America.

NYSE and parent Intercontinental Exchange have assembled partners for the venue. In March, ICE reached an agreement with crypto exchange OKX to give those customers access to NYSE tokenized-equity markets. NYSE has named Securitize as the first digital transfer agent eligible to mint blockchain-native securities for issuers using the platform.

Citi Institute projects tokenized financial assets could expand from about $17 billion today to roughly $5.5 trillion by 2030 in its base case and to $8.2 trillion in a higher scenario. Citi also estimates that if about 10% of U.S. retail investors adopt on-chain products by the end of the decade, demand for tokenized public equities could reach about $2.6 trillion. Citi cited 24-hour access, fractional ownership and faster settlement as features that could draw digitally native investors.

Regulatory approval remains the gating factor. The memorandum did not specify a timeline for trading access, which specific securities would be available, or which jurisdictions would qualify. Those determinations will shape how widely the NYSE’s tokenized venue can be distributed beyond conventional brokerage channels.