The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is taking a major step into blockchain finance by partnering with digital asset firm Securitize to build a platform for 24/7 trading of tokenized securities. According to the Wall Street Journal, the two companies plan to create a system that issues and trades stocks and ETFs as digital tokens with full shareholder rights.
Securitize as NYSE's First Digital Transfer Agent
Under the agreement, Securitize will act as NYSE's first digital transfer agent, converting traditional equities and exchange-traded funds into blockchain-based tokens. Transfer agents maintain shareholder records, issue certificates, and handle dividend payments. The partnership also includes developing a framework for other transfer agents to set standards for issuing and managing tokenized securities in a compliant manner.
Digital Trading Platform: 24/7 Trading with Instant Settlement
The proposed platform, called the Digital Trading Platform, is designed to support round-the-clock trading and near-instant settlement. Investors may fund transactions using stablecoins. This marks a shift from traditional markets, which operate on fixed hours and slower settlement cycles.
Full Shareholder Rights vs. Existing Offshore Products
Unlike many tokenized stock offerings available today, NYSE aims to provide real ownership rights, including voting power and access to dividends. Existing offshore products often function more like derivatives and do not offer these benefits. Carlos Domingo, Founder and CEO of Securitize, shared a thread on X, commenting: "NYSE plans to partner with Securitize as a premier design partner in the development of a digital transfer agent program intended to support on-chain settlement of tokenized security transactions."
Competition and Industry Context
The move follows NYSE's earlier filing to launch the platform, as competition intensifies. Nasdaq recently received approval to support tokenized trading within its existing infrastructure, but it plans to rely on traditional clearing systems, while NYSE is building a separate blockchain-based venue. Industry leaders see this as a turning point where tokenization could reshape how assets like stocks, bonds, and funds are issued and traded, making markets faster, more transparent, and more accessible.
Challenges Ahead
Still, challenges remain. Past tokenized products have faced pricing gaps and regulatory questions. NYSE and Securitize aim to address these issues by working directly with issuers to create native digital securities rather than synthetic versions. The initiative signals a broader shift on Wall Street, where major institutions are moving quickly to integrate blockchain into core financial infrastructure.