Robinhood has unveiled a broad set of updates that signal a deeper integration of crypto into its core product suite. The company introduced tokenized stock trading for European users, announced plans for its own Layer 2 blockchain, and launched staking and perpetual futures offerings in the U.S. and EU. These changes indicate Robinhood’s intent to create a seamless, 24/7 trading ecosystem that connects traditional finance with decentralized infrastructure. While some features are region-specific, the collective strategy marks a shift toward a more open, on-chain financial experience.
Catch up on our biggest crypto announcements of the year by reliving Robinhood Presents: To Catch a Token. https://t.co/GT8KHzZfyk
— Robinhood (@RobinhoodApp) June 29, 2025
Stock Tokens: On-Chain Equities for EU Traders
Robinhood has launched tokenized stocks for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing access to more than 200 U.S. equities and ETFs. These include companies such as Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft. Users can trade these tokens around the clock from Monday to Friday, with no commissions or spreads.
The stock tokens are initially issued on Arbitrum, an Ethereum Layer 2 network, and represent synthetic exposure to the underlying assets. Each token is backed 1:1 by actual shares held by Robinhood’s partner, CM-Equity AG. This structure ensures that token holders have legal rights to the real-world asset.
In addition to public companies, Robinhood has made tokenized shares of pre-IPO firms such as OpenAI and SpaceX available, providing access to typically illiquid private markets. These tokens will soon migrate from Arbitrum to a proprietary Layer 2 blockchain under development by Robinhood. This new network aims to support 24/7 trading, dividend distribution, and self-custody, with a bridge to Ethereum and other chains.
This move not only opens U.S. stock markets to global retail users but also positions tokenized equities as a more flexible alternative to traditional brokerage products.
Let’s tokenize.
— Robinhood (@RobinhoodApp) June 30, 2025
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’s Ethereum-Compatible Layer 2
Robinhood is building its own Layer 2 blockchain, designed to enable scalable tokenization and self-custody of both traditional and crypto assets. The network will be compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and will integrate directly with Robinhood’s front-end applications.
The decision to launch a Layer 2 follows Robinhood’s increasing focus on decentralized technologies. According to public statements, the network will serve as the settlement layer for its tokenized stock products and possibly other digital assets in the future.
By launching an in-house blockchain, Robinhood gains more control over settlement processes, transaction costs, and governance frameworks. It also enables easier implementation of features like 24/7 markets, smart contract automation, and programmable dividends. While the new Layer 2 remains in development, it reflects a broader trend of fintech platforms deploying custom chains to integrate decentralized infrastructure into user-facing financial apps.
You didn’t think we’d just announce new products, did you?
— Robinhood (@RobinhoodApp) June 30, 2025
The Robinhood Chain is currently being built on @arbitrum to power the future of asset ownership.#RobinhoodPresents https://t.co/g2tVe85G4W pic.twitter.com/zwpt4uV1zP
Crypto Perpetual Futures in the EU
Robinhood has rolled out perpetual futures trading to eligible users across the EU, with support for assets like Bitcoin and Ether. These futures contracts do not expire, and users can trade them with leverage up to 3×.
Trading is facilitated via Bitstamp’s perpetual futures platform and is offered within the Robinhood Crypto app. This service brings Robinhood into direct competition with global exchanges such as Binance and Bybit, although with a more regulated approach targeting European markets.
The addition of perpetuals is designed to meet demand from advanced traders who seek exposure to crypto price movements without holding the underlying assets. This product allows more flexibility for hedging and speculation, and also complements Robinhood’s existing spot crypto services.
Ethereum and Solana Staking for U.S. and EU Users
Robinhood has launched staking services for Ethereum and Solana, available to users in both the U.S. and EU. Through staking, users can earn yield by locking their tokens to support network validation and consensus processes.
Robinhood’s staking program offers a way for users to participate in proof-of-stake networks without needing to run their own validator nodes. The platform handles the technical details and redistributes staking rewards directly to users. This product lowers the barrier to passive yield generation for retail participants while enhancing overall network security.
Staking aligns with Robinhood’s push to offer more ways for users to engage with on-chain ecosystems, beyond just trading. It also comes as regulatory clarity around staking improves in several regions, especially within the EU.
Added Features for U.S. Crypto Users
Robinhood has introduced multiple new crypto features for U.S.-based users, many of which tie into its premium Gold membership. Gold members now receive a 1% bonus on crypto deposits, which rises to 2% if Robinhood reaches a $500 million deposit milestone across all users.
In addition, the company launched an AI-powered assistant named Cortex. This tool provides personalized insights and alerts based on market events and user behavior, helping traders stay informed without manual research.
The Robinhood Gold Credit Card has also been updated to offer crypto rewards, allowing users to automatically convert cashback into digital assets. Other new features include improved charting tools, smart routing for crypto trades, and tax-lot selection for optimizing gains and losses.
These updates position Robinhood as a full-service crypto platform, expanding well beyond its original role as a stock trading app.
Broader Implications for the Crypto and Fintech Industries
Robinhood’s pivot toward tokenized assets, perpetual derivatives, and decentralized infrastructure has implications for both traditional finance and Web3 ecosystems. Tokenized stocks remove friction in global equity access, which may eventually drive competition with neobrokers and traditional exchanges.
The company’s Layer 2 blockchain also contributes to a growing trend among fintechs to build custom infrastructure tailored to specific use cases. Instead of relying solely on Ethereum or existing networks, firms like Robinhood are choosing to deploy their own chains to gain efficiency and control.
The addition of staking and derivatives expands the company’s crypto product suite in line with platforms like Coinbase and Kraken. By combining compliance, ease of use, and asset diversity, Robinhood is creating a hybrid model that could appeal to both retail and institutional investors.
As Robinhood continues to unify financial services across asset classes and jurisdictions, other firms may follow suit to remain competitive. This multi-pronged approach—bridging stocks, crypto, and on-chain finance—sets the stage for a more connected and flexible financial system.
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