Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev believes that blockchain technology will eventually underpin stock trading, arguing that crypto’s infrastructure could make financial markets more accessible, cost-efficient, and resilient.
Tenev made the statement during a fireside chat, where he outlined how integrating stocks with blockchain networks could remove many inefficiencies in traditional trading systems, allowing assets to trade seamlessly around the clock.
Crypto rails in stock markets
Tenev pointed to the 24/7 nature of crypto trading, lower settlement times, and reduced transaction costs as key advantages over legacy financial infrastructure. He contrasted this with the stock market, where trades are limited to specific hours and settlement can take days.
Tenev said:
“There’s no reason why investors should have the freedom to trade meme coins at any time, but face barriers when trying to invest in companies like SpaceX or OpenAI.”
He added that the same blockchain technology used for cryptocurrencies could be applied to stocks, bonds, and other assets.
While some traditional financial institutions have started testing blockchain for clearing and settlement processes, regulatory uncertainty continues to hinder widespread adoption.
According to Tenev, securities laws in the US have largely restricted crypto’s integration with real-world financial assets, limiting its full potential.
Beyond regulatory hurdles
Tenev argued that the slow adoption of crypto infrastructure in traditional markets is not due to technological limitations but rather a lack of regulatory clarity.
He stated:
“We haven’t been allowed to connect crypto with productive assets in the US because of securities laws, but that’s something we’ll need to address.”
However, he acknowledged that the landscape is starting to shift under the current administration and expressed optimism about overcoming the hurdles that have stifled the industry so far.
Tenev is scheduled to attend the White House Crypto Summit later this week, where he plans to advocate for clearer regulations that could enable blockchain technology to support mainstream financial markets.
Robinhood, which has expanded its crypto offerings despite regulatory scrutiny, is positioning itself as a leader in the US digital asset ecosystem. The company has steadily grown its crypto services alongside its stock trading platform, giving retail investors exposure to both markets.
Tenev’s comments come as major financial players, including asset managers and banks, explore ways to integrate blockchain into their operations, with some already experimenting with tokenized securities and digital asset settlements.
If regulators provide a clearer framework, Tenev believes crypto technology could serve as the backbone of the next-generation financial system, bringing the efficiency and accessibility of blockchain to stock trading and beyond.
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