Gemini Enables EU Users to Trade Tokenized MicroStrategy Shares 24/7

Gemini has announced a significant development in the financial sector by enabling its customers in the European Union to purchase tokenized shares of MicroStrategy directly on its platform. This move allows U.S. equities to be accessible worldwide through blockchain technology, merging traditional finance with the 24/7/365 nature of cryptocurrency.

Tokenized stocks, also known as tokenized equity, are digital representations of real-world company shares recorded and maintained on a blockchain or distributed ledger. Each token represents either a full or a fractional share of a publicly listed company. Through this innovation, users can access tokenized stocks provided by Dinari, a SEC-registered U.S. transfer agent specializing in token securities, branded as dShares. Dinari has secured U.S. approval to offer blockchain-based stock trading, ensuring that these digital assets are fully backed on a 1:1 basis by actual U.S. stocks and offer the same financial rights as the original securities.

Gemini strategically chose MicroStrategy as its first tokenized stock in the EU, likely due to MicroStrategy's significant holdings of Bitcoin, making it appealing to both crypto enthusiasts and traditional investors. MicroStrategy's high share price of around $540 makes it an ideal candidate for fractional ownership, allowing European users to invest in premium U.S. equities for as little as €10-20. By tokenizing MSTR on blockchain networks like Arbitrum, Gemini enables seamless, 24/7 global trading, free from the limitations of time zones and traditional settlement delays. Backed by its MiFID II license in Malta and Dinari’s regulatory approvals in the U.S., Gemini ensures that these digital shares are legally compliant and fully secured.

This launch represents a bold move towards bringing real-world assets to the blockchain and reshaping how global investors interact with U.S. markets. The tokenization of U.S. stocks is transforming the financial landscape by allowing investors to trade equities directly on the blockchain. This innovation offers 24/7 global trading, faster settlements, and reduced costs by cutting out intermediaries like brokers. For global and retail investors, tokenized stocks lower entry barriers through fractional ownership, making high-value shares accessible for as little as $10. However, this shift also raises regulatory concerns, including compliance with SEC laws, KYC/AML standards, and potential tax complexities. The crypto market is likely to see increased demand for stablecoins and the rise of decentralized stock trading platforms. With growing interest from institutional players, tokenization could extend beyond stocks to ETFs, bonds, and real estate, marking a major evolution in global finance.

Gemini's move is not an isolated event. Fueled by evolving regulations and engagement from regulatory bodies, various exchanges are rapidly embracing equities using models that offer 24/7 trading, fractional ownership, and blockchain-based settlement. As these platforms secure licenses and launch services, they are positioning themselves to become a mainstream asset class worldwide. Companies that might be next on Gemini’s list include those holding Bitcoin as their treasury asset, those with strong brand recognition and investor interest, and those in the digital asset space or with innovative business models.

In conclusion, Gemini’s launch of tokenized MSTR shares in the EU marks a pivotal shift that brings U.S. equities on-chain, enabling globally 24/7 trading with fully backed digital shares and blending traditional finance and crypto under clear regulatory frameworks. This development is set to reshape the financial landscape, making traditional assets more accessible and efficient for a global audience.