Kraken Expands Tokenized Stock Trading to TRON Blockchain Network

Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has integrated its xStocks tokenized stock platform with the TRON blockchain, according to Incrypted. The integration allows traders to directly deposit and withdraw tokenized securities through TRC-20 tokens on the TRON network. Kraken partnered with TRON DAO to make tokenized stock access faster and cheaper for users.

The move expands xStocks beyond its previous deployments on Solana and BNB Chain networks. TRON becomes the third blockchain to support xStocks in less than two months since the platform's launch. Kraken's partner, Backed Finance, will issue xStocks in TRC-20 format while maintaining full asset backing. TRON's high throughput and low transaction fees drove the selection of this blockchain for the expansion.

Co-CEO of Kraken Arjun Sethi stated that TRON's scalability, low fees and global reach make it an important addition to their architecture. He noted that each xStock represents a transparent asset available on blockchain and verifiable in real time. TRON founder Justin Sun described combining blockchain with tokenized stocks as a logical step forward.

Why This Development Matters

The tokenized stock market has reached approximately $500 million in 2025, representing significant growth potential, according to Tiger Research. Research projections suggest this market could expand to $1.34 trillion by 2030, representing a 2,680-fold increase from current levels. Even capturing just 1% of the global $134 trillion stock market would create substantial value for tokenized platforms.

TRON's addition provides cost advantages for retail investors accessing tokenized securities. Traditional stock trading involves settlement delays, limited hours, and higher fees. Blockchain-based tokenized stocks settle within seconds, trade 24/7, and cost fractions of pennies per transaction. This accessibility particularly benefits international investors seeking exposure to U.S. markets without traditional brokerage restrictions.

The integration also reflects growing institutional confidence in blockchain infrastructure for real-world financial applications. As CoinChapter reports, the real-world asset tokenization market expanded to $26.4 billion as of August 2025, compared to $15.6 billion at the start of the year. This growth includes U.S. Treasuries, private credit, and equity assets brought on-chain.

Industry Competition and Blockchain Adoption

Multiple cryptocurrency exchanges are racing to capture market share in tokenized equities. Coinbase announced plans to launch tokenized stocks for U.S. users, while Robinhood expanded tokenized trading to European markets through partnerships. Gemini partnered with FINRA-approved startup Dinari to offer over 60 tokenized stocks to EU investors. This competition drives innovation and broader accessibility.

The selection of TRON alongside Solana and BNB Chain demonstrates how blockchain networks compete on transaction costs and speed. TRON processes approximately 2,000 transactions per second with near-zero fees, according to network specifications. This performance positions TRON favorably against Ethereum's higher costs and slower speeds for tokenized asset applications.

Traditional financial institutions are also entering tokenized securities. The convergence of crypto-native exchanges and established financial firms creates a broader ecosystem for tokenized assets. This trend reflects the maturing infrastructure needed to bridge traditional finance with blockchain technology. Regulatory clarity in jurisdictions like Switzerland and the EU enables compliant tokenized stock offerings.

Kraken's expansion to TRON follows similar moves by other exchanges seeking multi-blockchain strategies. Rather than relying on single networks, platforms are diversifying across multiple blockchains to offer users choice in transaction costs, speeds, and features. This approach reduces dependency on any single blockchain while maximizing accessibility for different user preferences.

Further Reading

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