OpenAI has denied ties to the tokenized stocks launched by Robinhood for EU clients, raising many questions about investor safety.
OpenAI's Statement on Tokenization
OpenAI officially stated it has no ties to the tokenized stock offered by Robinhood for EU clients. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, emphasized: "We did not partner with Robinhood, were not involved in this, and do not endorse it. Any transfer of OpenAI equity requires our approval—we did not approve any transfer."
Market Reaction to Robinhood's Tokens
The launch of tokenized stocks occurred on June 2, 2025, and led to a rise in Robinhood's stock price in light of the news. However, it had no direct impact on major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Robinhood's CEO, Vlad Tenev, noted that the tokens offer indirect exposure to private companies but do not constitute real equity.
Consumer Safety Concerns
The tokens, representing synthetic exposures through an SPV, sparked debates about consumer protection. Market observers noted that this could prompt regulatory scrutiny akin to past cases with FTX and Binance. Users expressed concerns about transparency and asset representation, especially given historical issues with tokenized equities.
Thus, both OpenAI's statement and market reaction highlight ongoing questions regarding safety and regulatory challenges associated with new blockchain-based financial products.