Robinhood Markets, the widely recognized brokerage platform, is making a bold leap into the future of digital finance with the announcement of a new layer-2 blockchain. This strategic move marks a pivotal chapter in Robinhood’s broader mission to transform its app from a simple trading interface into a comprehensive digital asset hub. Alongside the blockchain reveal, the company has launched tokenized U.S. stocks, perpetual futures, and staking services—expanding its crypto footprint across both the U.S. and European markets.
The June 30, 2025 announcement, made during the high-profile Robinhood Presents: To Catch a Token event in Cannes, France, underscores the company's commitment to innovation and mass-market accessibility in the blockchain space. At the heart of this expansion is a layer-2 (L2) solution built on Arbitrum, designed to enhance scalability, reduce transaction costs, and support the tokenization of real-world assets.
“Our latest offerings lay the groundwork for crypto to become the backbone of the global financial system,” said Vlad Tenev, chairman and CEO of Robinhood.
This vision positions Robinhood not just as a broker, but as an architect of next-generation financial infrastructure—bridging traditional markets with decentralized technologies.
Powering Innovation with a Custom Layer-2 Blockchain
By building its own layer-2 blockchain on Arbitrum, Robinhood is leveraging Ethereum’s security while achieving faster and cheaper transactions. Layer-2 solutions are critical for scaling blockchain applications, especially when handling high-volume financial products like tokenized assets and derivatives.
Robinhood’s L2 will initially serve as the foundation for tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs, enabling seamless on-chain trading for European investors. Over time, it will support a wider array of real-world asset tokenization use cases—from commodities to bonds—opening doors for fractional ownership and 24/7 global market access.
This infrastructure upgrade signals Robinhood’s long-term bet on blockchain not just as a speculative tool, but as a transformative force in democratizing finance.
Tokenized U.S. Stocks Launch in the EU
One of the most significant rollouts is the introduction of over 200 tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs in the European Union. This offering targets more than 400 million people across 30 EU and European Economic Area countries, turning Robinhood’s European app into a full-fledged financial platform—no longer limited to crypto-only trading.
Initially, these tokenized assets will be available via Arbitrum, with plans to migrate ETF tokens to Robinhood’s proprietary L2 once live. Each token represents a real share held in custody, combining regulatory compliance with blockchain efficiency.
Johann Kerbrat, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Robinhood Crypto, emphasized accessibility:
“Crypto was built by engineers for engineers, and has not been accessible to most people. We’re onboarding the world to crypto by making it as easy to use as possible—with the goal of bringing powerful tools into one intuitive platform.”
This user-first philosophy drives Robinhood’s entire crypto strategy: simplify complexity without sacrificing functionality.
New Crypto Products: Perpetual Futures and Staking
Beyond asset tokenization, Robinhood is rolling out advanced trading and earning tools:
- Crypto perpetual futures with up to 3x leverage will launch for eligible EU users this summer, offering traders greater flexibility in bullish and bearish markets.
- In the U.S., crypto staking is now available for Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL), allowing users to earn passive income directly through their Robinhood accounts.
These additions align with growing demand for sophisticated crypto products among retail investors. By integrating staking and derivatives into its core app, Robinhood reduces friction and keeps users engaged within its ecosystem.
Strategic Acquisitions Fuel Global Ambitions
Robinhood’s aggressive expansion is backed by strategic acquisitions that strengthen its global positioning:
- In early 2025, it acquired Bitstamp, one of Europe’s oldest crypto exchanges, gaining regulatory footholds and operational infrastructure.
- Later that year, Robinhood announced the all-cash acquisition of WonderFi, a leading Canadian crypto platform, accelerating its entry into North America’s regulated digital asset market.
These moves demonstrate a clear roadmap: build cutting-edge technology, expand product offerings, and acquire trusted brands to fast-track adoption.
Core Keywords
- Robinhood crypto expansion
- Layer 2 blockchain
- Tokenized U.S. stocks
- Arbitrum blockchain
- Crypto staking
- Perpetual futures
- Real-world asset tokenization
- Blockchain innovation
👉 See how leading platforms are integrating staking and DeFi tools to maximize returns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a layer-2 blockchain, and why is Robinhood building one?
A: A layer-2 blockchain operates on top of an existing network like Ethereum to improve speed and lower costs. Robinhood is building its L2 on Arbitrum to support scalable, secure tokenization of real-world assets such as stocks and ETFs.
Q: Where are tokenized U.S. stocks available?
A: They are currently available to users in the European Union and European Economic Area countries through Robinhood’s app.
Q: Can I stake crypto on Robinhood?
A: Yes. U.S. customers can now stake Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) directly within the Robinhood app to earn rewards.
Q: Are perpetual futures available worldwide?
A: Not yet. Crypto perpetual futures with up to 3x leverage are being rolled out first to eligible customers in the EU, with potential expansion in the future.
Q: Is Robinhood’s blockchain open-source or permissionless?
A: Details about governance and access have not been fully disclosed yet. However, initial indications suggest it will be a permissioned network focused on regulatory compliance and institutional-grade security.
Q: How does tokenization benefit investors?
A: Tokenizing assets like stocks enables 24/7 trading, faster settlement, fractional ownership, and integration with decentralized finance (DeFi) applications—all while maintaining traditional asset value.
👉 Learn how you can start earning with crypto staking on a secure global platform.
The Road Ahead: Building the Future of Finance
Robinhood’s latest initiatives reflect a fundamental shift—from facilitating trades to building financial infrastructure. With its Arbitrum-based L2 blockchain, tokenized asset offerings, staking capabilities, and derivatives trading, Robinhood is no longer just a gateway to crypto; it’s becoming a full-stack digital asset platform.
As real-world asset tokenization gains momentum, companies that combine regulatory compliance with user-friendly design will lead the next wave of financial innovation. Robinhood appears poised to be at the forefront—bridging Wall Street and Web3 in ways that could redefine how millions interact with money.
The convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology is no longer theoretical. It’s live—and it’s accelerating.