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Robinhood Markets has reported overwhelming demand from private enterprises seeking to list their shares on its newly launched tokenized equity platform. CEO Vlad Tenev revealed during a July 8 Bloomberg interview that the trading app received "a deluge of inquiries" following last week's European Union debut of its blockchain-based stock trading service.
The EU-exclusive service currently provides access to 【200+】 tokenized U.S. equities with standard market hours. As a promotional tactic, Robinhood distributed non-tradable tokens representing stakes in high-profile private firms including OpenAI and SpaceX. Tenev emphasized the platform's potential to democratize access to late-stage private companies that traditionally remain beyond retail investors' reach.
Lithuania's central bank has initiated a review of the platform's legal structure, particularly examining how the tokens qualify under EU's MiCA and MiFID frameworks. ——"We welcome regulatory examination,"—— Tenev stated, noting the tokens technically represent derivatives backed by physical shares held with U.S. brokers. The executive confirmed ongoing discussions with SEC and UK regulators about potential expansion.
Robinhood's move coincides with accelerating real-world asset tokenization across finance. On the same day, BioSig Technologies announced 【$1.1 billion】 in funding for commodity market tokenization, while Dubai approved its first tokenized money market fund. Analysts suggest these developments challenge traditional exchanges by shifting liquidity to blockchain networks.
The platform's architecture enables near-instant settlement and fractional ownership—features Galaxy Digital notes could erode the NYSE's liquidity advantage. However, regulatory classification remains fluid, with attorneys cautioning that tokenized equity occupies a ——"persistent gray zone"—— in multiple jurisdictions. Robinhood hasn't disclosed a timeline for expanding beyond the EU market.