Binance Launches U.S. Stock Trading for Global Users, Expands Tokenization and AI Hiring

bStocks Rollout Targets Tokenized Equity Market

Binance is preparing to launch bStocks within the next few weeks, introducing a system that allows users to convert purchased equities into synthetic tokenized versions on BNB Chain.

Co-CEO Richard Teng described the process as a way for users to create a synthetic stock representation by converting an equity position into a digital token. Unlike platforms that distribute pre-issued tokenized shares, Binance's model centers on user-initiated tokenization.

The rollout places Binance among a growing group of companies pursuing tokenized equities. The product is designed to combine traditional stock ownership with blockchain-based settlement and trading infrastructure.

Supporters of tokenized securities argue that the technology can significantly reduce settlement times compared with traditional equity markets, where transactions typically move through multiple intermediaries before finalizing. Tokenized assets can also trade continuously and potentially integrate with decentralized finance applications such as lending and liquidity markets.

Citi's Tokenization 2030 report estimated that tokenized securities currently account for approximately $17 billion in value and could grow to $5.5 trillion by 2030 under its base-case scenario. The report projected tokenized stocks alone could reach $2.6 trillion if roughly 10% of retail investors migrate to platforms offering such products.

Despite those projections, adoption remains relatively small. Tokenized stocks had a total value of approximately $487 million at the end of the first quarter.

Ivan Patriki, co-founder of Quantmap, said large cryptocurrency exchanges are expanding into equities because they “no longer want to be dependent on market cycles.”

Patriki added that Binance's goal is to keep users inside a single ecosystem where they can access “Tesla, the S&P 500, stablecoins, and DeFi.”

Misha Putiatin, co-founder of Symbiotic, said tokenized equities could become an important driver of real-world asset adoption and broader cryptocurrency market growth if they become integrated into decentralized finance infrastructure.

Vytautas Mackonis, COO of ALCUM, described the Binance structure as “more structurally complex than it appears,” noting that users depend on Binance as the platform interface, Nest Trading as broker-dealer, and Alpaca Securities as custodian.

Mackonis also said tokenized stocks are “a real and durable trend,” while warning that fragmented regulation, limited liquidity, and unresolved legal frameworks remain barriers to broader adoption.

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Regulatory Questions Remain Unresolved

Several regulatory issues continue to surround tokenized equities.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recently delayed a proposed innovation exemption covering tokenized assets. Concerns cited include third-party token issuance, digital representations of company shares without issuer approval, and questions involving dividend and shareholder voting rights.

Patriki also highlighted unresolved questions involving redemption mechanisms, pricing during periods when traditional exchanges are closed, synchronization between token values and underlying shares, and the use of tokenized equities as collateral in decentralized finance markets.

Binance previously expanded its tokenization strategy through Ondo Finance assets listed on Binance Alpha in February. Binance noted at the time that those products did not provide all shareholder rights, including voting rights.

Competition in the sector has accelerated. Coinbase has integrated Yahoo Finance stock tickers as part of its “Everything Exchange” strategy, while Kraken has launched regulated tokenized equity perpetual futures through the xStocks framework for eligible international users. Nasdaq and Kraken parent company Payward are also pursuing tokenized equity initiatives scheduled for 2027.

Binance Expands AI Workforce and Internal Training

Alongside its traditional finance expansion, Binance is significantly increasing investment in artificial intelligence.

The company currently has more than 380 open positions worldwide and said 20% of its planned hires for 2026 are AI-focused roles tied directly to AI technology and product development.

The hiring push comes during a period of broader technology-sector contraction. Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that 52,050 technology-sector jobs were eliminated during the first quarter of 2026, representing a 40% year-over-year increase in layoffs. The firm also attributed 27,645 U.S. job cuts during the quarter directly to artificial intelligence.

Binance has instead positioned AI as a growth area. The company described AI as a “capability multiplier” and said employees are receiving training to use internal AI systems and develop related skills.

Binance obtained ISO/IEC 42001 certification for its AI Management System in late 2025. The certification process was audited by A-LIGN and accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board.

The company said its AI governance framework aligns with requirements under the European Union's AI Act, including assessments covering social impact and user protection before advanced systems are deployed.

Binance said its internally developed tools include SAFUGPT, Hexa, and Clawbot. Hexa functions as a no-code platform that allows employees to build AI assistants without programming experience, while Clawbot automates repetitive operational tasks.

The company has also distributed weekly AI-focused micro-learning content to employees since December 2025 and said AI models emerging from its Accelerator Program undergo risk assessments, data protection reviews, and ongoing monitoring before deployment.