Tokenized Stocks Go Global as Ondo Opens U.S. Markets to the World

Ondo Finance has launched a tokenized equity platform, Ondo Global Markets, granting non-U.S. investors access to over 100 U.S. stocks and ETFs on the Ethereum blockchain. The service is backed by securities held at U.S.-registered broker-dealers and allows for 24/5 minting and redemption of tokenized shares, with immediate access to underlying exchange liquidity. The offering includes tokenized versions of major equities like Apple and Nvidia, as well as the QQQ ETF, and aims to provide a seamless, on-chain experience for global investors outside the U.S. [1].

The platform is part of a growing trend in equity tokenization, with several platforms such as Robinhood, Gemini, and Kraken also entering the space. Ondo plans to expand its offering to over 1,000 assets by the end of 2025 and intends to launch the service on additional blockchains, including Solana, BNB Chain, and its own Ondo Chain. The expansion is supported by a partnership with several key infrastructure providers, including BitGo, Ledger, and Chainlink, to ensure secure and efficient token transfers across DeFi protocols and decentralized applications [1].

Ondo’s tokenized equities are designed not just for passive holding but also to mimic stablecoin functions, enabling use across DeFi protocols and peer-to-peer trading. The tokens are backed one-to-one by the underlying assets and cash in transit, ensuring transparency and liquidity. Investors can redeem their tokens for the actual securities at any time, subject to jurisdictional restrictions. The platform also provides real-time price data through Chainlink, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of its offerings [2].

The initiative has drawn attention from market participants and industry experts, who highlight the potential of tokenized equities to enhance market access and liquidity for international investors. Jamie Elkaleh, Chief Marketing Officer at Bitget, noted that Ondo’s approach addresses critical challenges such as regulatory compliance, interoperability, and liquidity that have hindered previous attempts at tokenizing traditional assets. The platform's use of LayerZero-powered interoperability is expected to further facilitate cross-chain transactions and broader adoption [3].

Despite the promising developments, Ondo’s platform remains unavailable to U.S. investors, a restriction stemming from compliance with local regulations. The firm has previously acquired broker-dealer licenses through its acquisition of Oasis Pro, but these do not extend to U.S. retail access. The regulatory landscape for tokenized securities is still evolving, with concerns surrounding shareholder rights and jurisdictional fragmentation. Nevertheless, Ondo’s launch reflects a broader shift in the financial industry toward blockchain-based solutions that aim to democratize access to traditional markets [3].

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[1] Ondo Finance Rolls Out Tokenized U.S. Stocks, ETFs as ... (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/09/03/ondo-finance-rolls-out-tokenized-u-s-stocks-etfs-as-equity-tokenization-ramps-up)

[2] Ondo Launches Global Markets: 100+ Tokenized U.S. Stocks ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ondo-launches-global-markets-100-183506974.html)

[3] DeFi Protocol Ondo Finance Puts 100 Tokenized Stocks on ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/defi-protocol-ondo-finance-puts-191807701.html)