Robinhood Markets, Inc. has announced a major expansion of its cryptocurrency offerings, unveiling stock tokens for European customers and revealing plans for a new Layer 2 blockchain. This development was announced during the ‘Robinhood Presents: To Catch a Token’ event in Cannes, France, according to GlobeNewswire.
Robinhood’s new stock tokens will allow customers in the EU to gain exposure to over 200 U.S. stocks and ETFs without commissions. The tokens, which will initially be issued on the Arbitrum platform, aim to transform Robinhood’s European app from a crypto-only platform to a comprehensive investment app. These tokens will also offer dividend support, enhancing their appeal to investors.
The company is set to launch its own Layer 2 blockchain, optimized for the tokenization of real-world assets and designed for 24/7 trading. This blockchain, currently under development, will facilitate seamless bridging and self-custody, further integrating blockchain technology into Robinhood’s offerings.
In addition to stock tokens, Robinhood is expanding its product suite with the introduction of crypto perpetual futures in the EU, offering up to 3x leverage. These derivatives will be fully available to eligible customers by the end of the summer. Meanwhile, U.S. customers will gain access to crypto staking, starting with Ethereum and Solana, which will also be available to EU customers.
Robinhood is also rolling out several new features to enhance the trading experience. This includes an instant boost on crypto deposits and a Gold Credit Card for U.S. customers, offering cash back that can be used for crypto purchases. Additionally, the Cortex AI-powered investing assistant will soon be available, providing insights and market analyses directly within the app.
These initiatives are part of Robinhood’s strategy to make investing simpler and more accessible, positioning crypto as a backbone of the global financial system. As the company continues to innovate, it aims to integrate traditional and crypto financial services into a single platform, appealing to a new generation of investors.
