Crypto has no shortage of detractors, but even they would concede the industry has produced massive innovations, including Bitcoin and stablecoin payment rails, that have had a profound effect on global commerce. Now, another crypto invention is on the cusp of introducing disruption on a similar scale: Blockchain-based stock trading, which got a big vote of confidence from both NYSE and NASDAQ this month, and is poised to deliver big changes for both investors and companies.
Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev memorably described tokenized stocks as an unstoppable “freight train.” The arrival of that train will depend on how fast regulators can supply a legal framework, but Tenev’s basic premise is sound. The more interesting question is which firms will lead this coming wave of disruption, and which will be left out.
