Coinbase said it is preparing to launch 1:1 asset-backed tokenized stocks, pitching the product as a non-derivative structure rather than an IOU. Based on the company’s announcement, users will be able to trade, hold, and redeem these assets onchain, while also receiving dividends automatically.
The announcement was published on July 16 through Coinbase’s official social channels. In its promotional video, the company used the line “Welcome to the future of stocks” and highlighted 24/7 global trading, framing the product as a way for users to hold tokenized shares tied to real equities.
Coinbase draws a line against synthetic exposure
A central part of the rollout is Coinbase’s effort to distinguish the product from synthetic assets and contracts for difference. The company said the tokenized stocks involve “no derivatives” and “no IOUs.” That wording suggests Coinbase wants the market to view the offering as direct tokenized exposure backed by real-world shares, not simply a blockchain wrapper around price tracking.
If the final structure matches the announcement, the product would combine stock-linked ownership rights with blockchain-based transfer and settlement. Automatic dividend distribution stands out as one of the most closely watched features. The onchain design also puts the RWA narrative back at the center of discussion.
Initial rollout excludes the US as details remain limited
Coinbase stated in the video disclaimer and legal language that the service will be available at first only in eligible jurisdictions outside the United States. The restriction points directly to securities compliance considerations. The company also said it would share more product details during an online livestream scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern Time.
The announcement quickly drew attention across the crypto community. Some users compared the move with similar products from Backpack and other players, while others asked whether the service would be deployed on Coinbase’s own Layer 2 network, Base. So far, Coinbase has not disclosed the issuance mechanism or the underlying deployment setup in the material released to the public.