Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is reviving its stock trading service. The initiative first launched in 2021 but was quickly suspended under legal threats from the Gensler-led SEC. Now, with a changed regulatory climate under the Trump administration and the New York Stock Exchange itself exploring blockchain-based "next-generation markets," Binance sees a window to reintroduce tokenized shares.
Tokenized Equities on BSC
The exchange plans to enable its users to purchase shares of major US companies such as Apple and Tesla, issued as tokenized assets on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC). This move is expected to generate additional revenue for Binance while offering crypto-native users seamless access to traditional equities. For BNB, the tokenized stock program could act as a long-term catalyst by driving on-chain activity and increasing demand for BSC transaction fees.
It remains uncertain how much liquidity will shift from crypto markets into this new offering. However, tokenized stocks eliminate the need for a US brokerage account, opening the door for global investors to trade US equity fractions with minimal friction. Binance has not yet disclosed the initial list of supported stocks or a launch date.
Regulatory Tailwinds and Competitive Landscape
Regulatory conditions in 2026 are more favorable than in 2021. The SEC under President Trump has taken a softer stance toward crypto, and even the NYSE is experimenting with blockchain settlement. Competitors like Robinhood and eToro already offer commission-free stock trading, but Binance differentiates with its 180 million user base and low-cost BSC infrastructure.
For investors, tokenized stocks allow unified portfolio management within a single wallet, blending crypto and equities. Yet these tokens are not direct shares — they are blockchain representations, subject to the issuer's redemption terms and legal standing. Some worry that diverting capital to stocks could temporarily pressure crypto asset prices, but the broader onboarding of traditional assets may attract institutional capital over time.
Binance's stock trading reboot exemplifies the growing convergence of legacy finance and blockchain technology. Its success hinges on regulatory acceptance and BSC's capacity to handle high-volume settlement.