In a sweeping move to reshape retail investing, Robinhood has launched a series of innovations that signal its deepest integration yet between traditional finance and blockchain technology. From tokenised US stocks and crypto perpetual futures to a proprietary Layer-2 blockchain, the company is expanding its presence across the European Union and the United States, aiming to become the go-to platform for modern investors.
Robinhood’s offering: Stock tokens in the EU
At its “To Catch a Token” event in Cannes, Robinhood revealed its most ambitious offering to date—Robinhood Stock Tokens. These zero-commission, dividend-paying tokens will give EU customers 24/5 access to over 200 U.S. stocks and ETFs, including big names like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. Initially launched on the Arbitrum blockchain, the tokens will later transition to Robinhood’s proprietary Layer-2 blockchain designed specifically for tokenised real-world assets (RWAs).
“Our latest offerings lay the groundwork for crypto to become the backbone of the global financial system,” said Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev.
The initiative allows Robinhood’s European app to evolve from a crypto-only platform into a comprehensive investment ecosystem, merging the best of equities and digital assets.
Let’s tokenize.
Starting today, European investors get exposure to U.S. stocks and ETFs, powered by our new blockchain-based tokenization technology.#RobinhoodPresents https://t.co/g2tVe86dUu pic.twitter.com/2KD1uVRoUz
— Robinhood (@RobinhoodApp) June 30, 2025
Robinhood’s Layer-2 blockchain: Built for RWAs
To support its tokenisation push, Robinhood is building its own Ethereum-based Layer-2 blockchain, leveraging the Arbitrum tech stack. This blockchain aims to facilitate 24/7 trading, cross-chain bridging, self-custody, and off-chain trading with on-chain settlement—critical infrastructure for the emerging RWA market, which now exceeds $24 billion, according to RedStone data.
This strategic move positions Robinhood as a serious contender in the financial infrastructure space, as it joins the ranks of firms like Gemini and Securitise who are also betting big on tokenisation.
Perpetual futures and expanding crypto capabilities
Additionally, Robinhood’s revealed cryptocurrency perpetual futures for EU consumers, providing up to three times leverage through Bitstamp, the exchange it recently paid $200 million to purchase. The objective is to give active traders cutting-edge capabilities in an intuitive interface.
Robinhood has also introduced cryptocurrency staking for Ethereum and Solana in the United States. In line with broader industry trends toward staking-as-a-service, this enables qualified users to participate in blockchain activities and earn passive rewards.
Beyond trading: AI Tools, rewards, and smart routing
Robinhood’s vision stretches beyond basic trading. The company’s introduced several platform enhancements:
Cortex: An AI-powered investing assistant offering real-time insights and curated analysis.
Crypto credit card rewards: Users in the US can now earn cashback on purchases and use rewards to buy crypto.
Smart exchange routing: Optimises order execution across multiple exchanges.
Instant boost: A temporary crypto deposit incentive offering up to a 2% bonus.
Advanced charts: Robinhood Legend’s detailed charting tools, coming to mobile.
These features mark a clear shift toward holistic financial engagement, where one platform handles investing, trading, analytics, and rewards.
Market reactions and implications
The announcements sparked a sharp uptick in Robinhood’s stock (NASDAQ: HOOD), which soared 12.7% to an all-time high of $94.24 before closing at $93.63, with after-hours trading peaking at $96.55. Year-to-date, HOOD shares have surged over 310%, reflecting investor confidence in Robinhood’s long-term vision.
The ARB token also spiked more than 20%, buoyed by speculation around Robinhood’s blockchain partnership.
The bigger picture
Robinhood’s multi-pronged strategy could redefine the relationship between traditional assets and decentralised finance. As global regulatory clarity around tokenisation emerges, Robinhood appears well-positioned to bridge conventional and crypto-native investment ecosystems.
Yet, questions remain. Regulatory scrutiny, technological execution, and user education will be key hurdles as the company expands into uncharted territory.
