NYSE Taps Blockchain.com as Distribution Channel for Tokenised Stock Venue

NYSE has signed a memorandum of understanding with Blockchain.com to explore using the crypto platform as a distribution channel for its planned tokenised securities venue, according to a statement released on Wednesday. The proposed connection would give eligible international users access to US-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds, while NYSE would retain the trading infrastructure.

The MOU is preliminary and the proposed connection still requires regulatory approval. Blockchain.com has not disclosed how many of its reported 44 million confirmed accounts would meet eligibility and jurisdictional requirements.

Under the proposed structure, Blockchain.com would connect its international, crypto-native customer base to the NYSE venue. NYSE would operate the market and matching infrastructure for the tokenised shares and ETFs. However, Blockchain.com has not explained which legal entity would provide the service, how securities accounts would be opened, or which jurisdictions would be included. Custody arrangements, eligibility requirements and geographic restrictions also remain undisclosed.

Market data forms the second part of the agreement. Blockchain.com would add selected ICE and NYSE data feeds to its app, providing users with real-time information on traditional securities. The data integration could arrive separately from trading access, although neither company provided an implementation schedule.

NYSE first announced the venue in January, outlining 24-hour trading, fractional orders, stablecoin-based funding and on-chain settlement. Its design combines the exchange’s Pillar matching engine with blockchain-based post-trade systems. ICE has since added partners for other parts of the structure. Securitize is expected to support digital issuance and transfer-agent functions, while tZERO is working on ownership records, transfer processing and broker-dealer and post-trade infrastructure.

Blockchain.com adds the distribution layer rather than another trading or settlement system. The proposed securities would also differ from some wrapped-stock products available through crypto platforms. NYSE has said its venue would support tokenised shares fungible with their conventionally issued versions, alongside securities issued directly in tokenised form. Under that model, holders would retain shareholder dividends and governance rights. The tokens are intended to represent securities within the existing regulatory framework, rather than merely track their market prices. NYSE has not disclosed which stocks or ETFs would be available first or when the digital ATS will launch.

The Blockchain.com MOU also omits commercial terms and a connection date, leaving both trading access and the proposed data exchange at the planning stage.