Vlad Tenev: Robinhood CEO in Talks with Regulators Over Tokenized Stocks

Market News

Robinhood is once again in the spotlight. Its CEO, Vlad Tenev, has confirmed that the company is talking to U.S. regulators about launching tokenized stocks. This news came during an interview in July 2025, where Tenev explained the company’s plans. The goal? To bring more people into investing using blockchain technology.

Tokenized stocks are not science fiction. These are digital assets that represent actual company shares and are already being traded in regions like Europe and Asia. But in the U.S., things are more complicated due to strict rules. That’s why these talks matter.

Robinhood became famous for giving everyday people access to the stock market. Now, it wants to do the same in the world of digital assets. But this time, they’re being careful. They’re asking regulators first, before making big moves.

Let’s dive into what tokenized stocks mean, why Robinhood is pursuing them, and how they might shape the future of investing.

What Are Tokenized Stocks?

Tokenized stocks are digital assets built on blockchain that represent ownership in real-world publicly listed companies. They are built on blockchain technology, such as Ethereum’s layer‑2 networks. These tokens can be traded by investors nearly nonstop, 24 hours a day, five days a week. They track real stock prices but don’t always come with voting rights. Several of them provide dividend payouts to those who hold the tokens.

Robinhood’s Interest and Strategic Motivation

Robinhood is already known for disrupting the finance world. This new move builds on that tradition. The company recently launched over 200 U.S. stock and ETF tokens in the EU and EEA. They’re experimenting with both public and private firms, like OpenAI and SpaceX. The goal is clear: expand globally, attract tech-savvy users, and stay at the cutting edge.

Tenev’s Talks with U.S. Regulators

In early July, Tenev confirmed regulatory discussions in the U.S..These talks cover details of tokenized offerings and legal frameworks. Robinhood is talking to the SEC, FINRA, and other bodies. The outcome will decide how and when similar services reach U.S. users.

Tokenized stocks face tough U.S. rules. They may be seen as securities. That means strict rules around AML/KYC, custody, and investor protection. Even in the EU, Lithuania’s central bank has asked Robinhood to explain how OpenAI and SpaceX tokens work. OpenAI itself stated its token isn’t real equity. These questions show the legal work ahead.

Potential Market Impact and Investor Benefits

Tokenized stocks stand to transform investing. Investors could trade fractional shares at any hour. They might earn yield through staking or lending. Trading becomes fahas has become more flexible. EU users can access U.S. markets via smooth euro-to-dollar conversion with a 0.1 % fee. These benefits may attract more users worldwide.

Industry Implications and Competitive Landscape

Robinhood isn’t alone. Platforms like Coinbase and Kraken are also developing solutions for trading tokenized equities. Many fintech firms aim to bring real assets on-chain. Robinhood is building its own Layer‑2 blockchain on Arbitrum‍, likely to support full 24/7 trading and self-custody. This could pressure traditional exchanges like the NYSE or Nasdaq.

What’s Next for Robinhood?

Currently, these tokens are only available to users within the European Union. They include public stocks, ETFs, and selected private firms. Robinhood plans to expand its Layer‑2 infrastructure and may roll out a U.S. offering, once regulators agree. They also just finished acquiring Bitstamp, adding more crypto licenses and tools.

Conclusion

Robinhood’s exploration of tokenized stocks marks a key moment for digital finance. With over 200 offerings, emerging blockchain technology, and ongoing talks with regulators, they are expanding the limits of traditional finance. But real success depends on legal clarity and global rollout. We’ll soon see if Robinhood leads the next wave in investing.

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Always conduct your research.