What are 'tokenized' stocks, and why are trading platforms like Robinhood offering them?
Briefly

Robinhood introduced a tokenized shares offering at an extravagant event in Cannes, allowing investors access to private companies like SpaceX and OpenAI and public firms like Microsoft and Nvidia. This initiative signifies a major step toward merging traditional equities with blockchain technology. CEO Vlad Tenev claimed that crypto will evolve to become the foundational layer for financial services. However, concerns arose as OpenAI cautioned customers about tokenized shares not representing their equity, while SEC officials reinforced the view that tokenized securities still classify as securities, drawing regulatory scrutiny.
Robinhood's new product offerings include tokenized shares designed to give investors access to private companies like SpaceX and OpenAI, as well as public firms like Microsoft and Nvidia.
CEO Vlad Tenev stated, 'The time is now for crypto to move beyond Bitcoin and memecoins and introduce fundamental utility,' emphasizing future integration of crypto with traditional finance.
This event in Cannes represented a significant step for platforms blending traditional equities with blockchain technology, marking a potential transformation in financial services.
Despite excitement, concerns arose as OpenAI warned customers that tokenized shares do not equate to equity in their company, and SEC officials issued reminders that tokenized securities are indeed securities.
Read at Fast Company
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