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Coinbase Seeks SEC Approval to Offer Tokenized Stocks on Blockchain

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Coinbase is pursuing approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to offer tokenized equities—digitally represented stocks traded on blockchain technology—to its customers, according to Paul Grewal, Coinbase’s chief legal officer.

If approved, Coinbase would enter direct competition with retail brokers like Robinhood and Charles Schwab by allowing users to trade stocks in token form. This new service could open a significant business segment for the crypto exchange.

What Are Tokenized Equities?

Tokenized equities convert traditional shares into digital tokens, enabling investors to hold and trade ownership rights on a blockchain network. Advocates argue that tokenization can:

  • Reduce trading costs

  • Enable faster settlement of trades

  • Allow 24/7 trading outside conventional market hours

Challenges and Regulatory Context

Despite enthusiasm, the concept faces hurdles, including limited secondary-market liquidity and the absence of global regulatory standards, as highlighted by a recent World Economic Forum report.

Currently, U.S. law requires securities trading platforms to be registered as broker-dealers. Coinbase previously faced an SEC lawsuit for allegedly operating as an unregistered broker-dealer, but the case was dropped this year under the Biden administration.

To move forward, Coinbase needs a “no-action letter” or exemptive relief from the SEC—an assurance that the SEC would not take enforcement action if Coinbase offers tokenized stock trading.

Grewal emphasized that such regulatory clarity is vital for boosting institutional adoption of crypto and blockchain technologies.

Market Context

  • Coinbase’s competitor Kraken recently launched tokenized U.S. equity tokens, called xStocks, but only outside the U.S.

  • The SEC under President Trump has adopted a more industry-friendly approach, dropping several lawsuits against crypto firms and creating a task force for digital asset regulation.

No official submission date or launch timeline for Coinbase’s tokenized equities service has been disclosed.

BBVA Advises Wealthy Clients to Allocate Up to 7% in Bitcoin, Signaling Growing Institutional Embrace of Crypto

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BBVA, one of Spain’s largest banks, is advising its private banking clients to allocate between 3% and 7% of their portfolios to cryptocurrencies, primarily bitcoin and ether, according to Philippe Meyer, head of digital & blockchain solutions at BBVA Switzerland.

Speaking at the DigiAssets conference in London, Meyer stated the advisory began in September 2023, reflecting a growing confidence in the sector. While many banks passively allow crypto investments, BBVA stands out by actively recommending such allocations — a rare move among mainstream European financial institutions.

“With private customers, since September last year, we started advising on bitcoin,” Meyer said. “The riskier profile, we allow up to 7% of portfolios in crypto.”

Context and Strategy:

  • BBVA started executing crypto trades for private clients in 2021, but this is the first time it has formally advised allocations.

  • The recommendation currently includes bitcoin and ether, with plans to extend coverage to other digital assets later in 2025.

  • Meyer emphasized that even a 3% allocation can boost portfolio performance without exposing clients to excessive risk.

Market Momentum:

Bitcoin hit record highs in May, continuing its recovery from the crypto market collapse in 2022, which saw major platforms like FTX implode. The rebound has been aided by increased institutional interest and a pro-crypto stance from U.S. political figures, including Donald Trump.

Despite these advances, regulatory bodies remain cautious:

  • The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) noted earlier this year that 95% of EU banks still do not engage in crypto activities.

  • Regulators consistently warn investors of crypto’s volatility, reiterating that one should be prepared to lose their entire investment.

BBVA’s approach reflects a nuanced shift in institutional sentiment, especially for wealthy clients seeking diversification amid evolving digital asset landscapes.

Trump Media Files for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF Amid Crowded Crypto Market

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Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) that would invest in both bitcoin and ethereum, the two largest cryptocurrencies by market value.

This marks the company’s second crypto ETF filing in under two weeks, following an earlier bid to launch the Truth Social Bitcoin ETF. If approved, the new Truth Social Bitcoin & Ethereum ETF would enter a highly competitive space already led by financial giants like BlackRock, whose iShares Bitcoin ETF manages $72.5 billion in assets.

ETF analysts say new entrants will struggle to compete without a clear edge. “The only way to stand out will be through fees or brand,” said Bryan Armour of Morningstar. Trump Media has not yet disclosed management fees for either ETF, though competitors typically charge around 0.12%.

The proposed bitcoin and ethereum ETF would initially maintain a 3:1 ratio in favor of bitcoin, according to the issuer Yorkville America Digital. This allocation strategy may help attract retail crypto enthusiasts, especially those aligned with the Truth Social platform.

Sui Chung, CEO of CF Benchmarks, said the move may be less about innovation and more about leveraging brand loyalty: “Given Truth Social’s involvement, it may be marketed directly to individual investors—just like how some people buy Apple stock because they love their iPhones.”

If approved, the ETFs could appeal to politically engaged investors and retail traders loyal to former President Donald Trump, further blending political branding with financial products in the digital asset space.