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Kraken Launches Tokenized U.S. Equities for 24/7 Trading Outside U.S.

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Kraken, the crypto exchange, announced Thursday it is launching tokenized versions of U.S. stocks, including Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia, allowing investors outside the U.S. to trade equities 24/7 — a step toward bridging traditional finance and blockchain.

The product, called xStocks, provides digital tokens that represent ownership of publicly traded U.S. equities. Investors won’t directly hold the underlying shares, but rather tokens that mirror the stocks’ value, offering flexibility and round-the-clock access typically unavailable in traditional stock markets.

Key Details:

  • Availability: Limited to select markets outside the U.S.

  • Trading hours: Available 24/7

  • Not offered to: U.S. customers

  • Underlying equities: Includes high-profile companies such as Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia

Kraken did not disclose which countries or jurisdictions will have access to xStocks, but the move reflects the growing interest in tokenizing real-world assets.

Why It Matters

Tokenization — issuing blockchain-based digital versions of real assets — is increasingly being seen as a tool to:

  • Expand market access globally

  • Enable fractional ownership and enhanced liquidity

  • Offer trading during non-market hours, especially useful for international investors

“Tokenized securities could radically reshape how retail and global investors access financial markets,” proponents argue.

Earlier this year, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev endorsed tokenization in a Washington Post op-ed, suggesting it could also open access to private markets.

Broader Context

The launch comes as enthusiasm for blockchain intensifies, partly fueled by:

  • Bitcoin’s strong performance

  • Expectations of lighter regulation under U.S. President Donald Trump

  • Growing demand to integrate traditional assets into decentralized finance (DeFi) systems

While tokenized securities are still in their early adoption phase, Kraken’s initiative places it at the forefront of hybrid finance innovation, offering a glimpse into the future of global capital markets.

Kraken to Acquire NinjaTrader for $1.5 Billion, Expanding into Multiple Asset Classes

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Kraken, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, announced on Thursday that it would acquire retail futures trading platform NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion. This acquisition will allow Kraken to diversify its offerings by expanding into multiple asset classes, including futures and derivatives, while growing its user base.

The deal comes at a time of optimism within the cryptocurrency industry, as many anticipate more relaxed regulations under the leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump, known for courting crypto donors during the election, has promised support for the sector, fueling hopes of policy shifts that could encourage institutional adoption and provide clearer rules for digital asset trading.

Kraken’s acquisition of NinjaTrader follows a recent legal victory when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dismissed a civil lawsuit accusing Kraken of operating illegally as an unregistered securities exchange. Kraken, ranked as the world’s tenth-largest cryptocurrency spot exchange, according to CoinMarketCap, is poised to benefit from the growing demand for diverse financial products that blend traditional and digital assets.

This acquisition highlights the ongoing convergence between crypto companies and traditional financial firms, as the digital asset market continues to gain broader acceptance. Oppenheimer analyst Owen Lau noted that this deal is significant, marking a major crypto company’s expansion into traditional finance. Lau anticipates further deals in this sector, especially under a pro-crypto administration.

NinjaTrader, which has nearly 2 million retail traders, will continue to operate independently under Kraken, with the deal expected to close in the first half of 2025.

Crypto Industry Celebrates Trump Inauguration with Snoop Dogg and Promises of Policy Changes

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The cryptocurrency industry marked the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump with a lavish celebration at the historic Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on Friday night. Dubbed the “crypto inauguration ball,” the event reflected optimism within the crypto community, anticipating significant policy changes under Trump’s administration.

A Gala to Remember

The event featured rap superstar Snoop Dogg, along with performances by Rick Ross and Soulja Boy, entertaining over 1,500 guests dressed in formal attire. Attendees enjoyed a mix of gourmet offerings, including miniature lobster rolls and McDonald’s burgers—Trump’s favorite. Swag included “Make Bitcoin Great Again” hats and Gemini-branded American flag pins, celebrating one of the gala sponsors.

The ball was co-hosted by leading crypto companies such as Crypto.com, Exodus, and the Winklevoss twins’ Gemini exchange. Tickets sold out quickly, with general admission priced at $2,500, while VIP packages at $100,000 offered face time with David Sacks, the incoming “crypto czar” in the Trump administration.

Crypto’s Political Turnaround

The gala marked a striking shift for an industry that had faced significant regulatory hurdles under the Biden administration. Trump, who campaigned as a “crypto president,” is expected to issue executive orders promoting the widespread adoption of digital assets and reducing regulatory barriers.

Jonathan Jachym, Kraken’s global head of policy, highlighted the significance of the event: “The crypto voter showed up in the election, and this event signifies a turning point for crypto policy in the United States.”

Industry Optimism and Policy Changes Ahead

Crypto executives expressed hope for the future under Trump’s leadership. Les Borsai, co-founder of Wave Digital Assets, noted, “If this signifies what the future looks like … I think that’s the optimism we’ve been waiting for.”

Trump’s crypto-friendly policy team is shaping up, with Paul Atkins, a pro-crypto advocate, expected to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bitcoin prices have surged on anticipation of these changes, reaching record highs of over $107,000 in December.

Sponsors like Crypto.com and MicroStrategy emphasized their commitment to working with the new administration to advance innovation in digital assets. Meanwhile, Robinhood and other major players showed their support through sponsorships and participation.

A New Era for Cryptocurrency?

Trump, though absent from the event, expanded his cryptocurrency ventures with the launch of a “meme coin” branded with imagery from his attempted assassination, which quickly reached a market capitalization of $5.5 billion.

As the industry revels in newfound political support, Trump’s administration promises to usher in a new era for digital assets in the United States, fostering innovation and growth in the crypto space.