Kraken has announced the expansion of its tokenized stock service xStocks for investors in the European Union, providing access to over 60 shares of American companies.
Kraken's Services Expansion in Europe
Kraken has expanded its tokenized stock service xStocks for investors in the European Union, allowing them to trade shares of companies like Apple, Meta, Tesla, and GameStop. The service offers 24/5 trading, providing European users with direct access to U.S. markets without traditional brokerage barriers and delays associated with U.S. settlement processes. Kraken noted that this expansion aligns with its strategy to strengthen its global presence.
Intensifying Competition Among Exchanges
Kraken's expansion comes amid growing competition among crypto platforms looking to attract European investors. Earlier this summer, Robinhood launched its own tokenized stocks and ETFs for EU customers, offering access to over 200 assets. Gemini is also active in the European market, and these trends show how crypto platforms are rapidly adapting to regulatory clarity in the EU to create innovative products.
Nasdaq Aims for Securities Tokenization
On September 8, 2025, Nasdaq filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission seeking approval to tokenize securities under existing rules. This move indicates Nasdaq's intent to compete in the tokenized asset space despite potential legal hurdles. Changes in traditional markets could lead to new trading formats and competition with crypto exchanges like Kraken.
Kraken's expansion in Europe and the competition from other platforms highlight the fast-evolving market for tokenized assets, where traditional financial structures and crypto companies seek to establish their positions.