Robinhood Plans Blockchain Trading Platform for Europe

Robinhood Markets Inc. is set to launch a blockchain-based trading platform for retail investors in Europe, enabling users to trade U.S. stocks and securities via blockchain technology. The platform is expected to leverage the speed, security, and low transaction costs of blockchain networks such as Arbitrum and Solana. While discussions are ongoing, no official launch date or partner has been announced. Robinhood is reportedly negotiating with several digital asset firms, although no official agreement has been signed yet.

This initiative marks a significant step in Robinhood's international expansion, particularly in the European Union. In 2023, the company introduced cryptocurrency trading in the region and recently secured a brokerage license in Lithuania, allowing it to offer financial services such as stock trading in EU nations. The new platform aims to tokenize U.S. stocks, representing shares as digital tokens on an open blockchain. This system could offer benefits such as faster trade settlements, lower fees, and increased transparency.

Robinhood's activities in the cryptocurrency space continue to grow. In the first quarter of 2024, the company recorded a crypto trading volume of $46 billion, marking a 28% year-on-year growth. However, trading volumes in April decreased to $8 billion from the previously reported monthly average of $15 billion. In February 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) closed an investigation into Robinhood Crypto, indicating no intent to take enforcement action. This development has strengthened Robinhood's position in the digital asset market.

In addition to its blockchain platform, Robinhood is exploring the acquisition of Bitstamp, a well-known crypto exchange. This deal could provide Robinhood with Bitstamp's regulated trading infrastructure, including a MiFID-licensed multilateral trading facility in Europe. Analysts suggest that this acquisition could enable Robinhood to offer crypto-linked derivatives in the region, creating new opportunities for European investors. Robinhood's CEO, Vlad Tenev, has expressed support for tokenized securities, noting a growing interest in using blockchain to trade shares of private companies in the U.S., a trend that could soon spread globally, particularly in Europe.

Robinhood is also looking to expand its crypto trading services to Singapore by late 2025, potentially through its acquisition of Bitstamp Ltd. This move would enhance Robinhood's digital asset operations across multiple regions. Overall, Robinhood is positioning itself at the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain technology, aiming to provide a fast, transparent, and cost-effective investment method for European users to access U.S. markets through blockchain technology.