Gemini launches tokenized MSTR shares in the EU to give users blockchain access to U.S. equities using real securities.
The platform offers fractional stock trading on Arbitrum network with plans to expand to more blockchain systems.
Gemini partners with FINRA-approved Dinari to ensure tokenized shares meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Crypto exchange Gemini has launched tokenized MicroStrategy (MSTR) shares for users in the European Union. The new product allows customers to buy fractional shares as on-chain tokens. These digital tokens are backed by real MSTR securities held by a regulated partner. The offering marks the first in a planned rollout of tokenized U.S. equities on blockchain networks.
https://twitter.com/Gemini/status/1938688845597577591
The product is enabled through a partnership with Dinari, a tokenization platform that holds broker-dealer registration from FINRA. Gemini said it will initially offer MSTR tokens on the Arbitrum (ARB) network. However, the platform intends to expand to more blockchains over time. This move reflects a growing trend of merging traditional equities with blockchain infrastructure.
Simplifying Global Access to U.S. Stocks
Gemini stated the launch aims to lower entry barriers for international investors. Many face challenges such as limited brokerage access and high currency conversion fees. Tokenized stocks allow users to trade fractional shares around the clock. This is a shift from conventional trading hours tied to stock exchanges.
By using blockchain, Gemini enables direct settlement and faster transaction times. Investors can now access U.S. equities using only a smartphone and internet connection. The tokens also carry the same economic rights as traditional shares, where permitted. This makes them a viable alternative for those locked out of U.S. markets.
Licensed and Compliant Across Europe
The rollout of tokenized stocks comes after Gemini received a MiFID II license in Malta. This license permits the platform to offer securities and derivatives across the European Economic Area. It also positions Gemini to serve a wider range of retail and institutional clients. The exchange also filed a confidential IPO in the United States with an aim of going public.
Dinari’s FINRA registration adds another layer of regulatory assurance. It ensures the tokenized shares meet U.S. compliance standards. This partnership gives Gemini a competitive edge as regulation becomes more important in crypto-linked finance. Other platforms entering this space lack similar licenses.
Gemini Joins Broader Tokenization Push
More crypto firms are entering the tokenized securities market. Coinbase and Kraken have also expressed interest in launching similar services for European users. Robinhood is reportedly developing its own platform for tokenized U.S. equities.
Gemini’s early entry into the space may give it a head start in reaching a global investor base. With plans to add more tokenized stocks and ETFs soon, the firm continues to merge traditional finance with blockchain tools. This signals a steady shift in how investors gain access to U.S. financial markets.
