New York Stock Exchange Announces Blockchain-Based Platform for 24/7 Tokenized Securities Trading

NYSE Enters Tokenized Securities Market

The New York Stock Exchange is building a blockchain-powered trading platform that will enable investors to trade tokenized stocks and exchange-traded funds around the clock with near-instant settlement ^[1]. The initiative, announced by NYSE's parent company Intercontinental Exchange, represents a significant step toward integrating traditional finance with blockchain technology.

The platform will combine ICE's existing Pillar trading engine with blockchain-based post-trade systems, supporting multiple blockchains for custody and settlement operations ^[1]. Trading activity will be funded and settled in real time using stablecoins, replacing the current one-day settlement cycle standard in US equity markets ^[1].

Regulatory Approval and New Trading Venue

The NYSE plans to seek necessary regulatory approvals to operate a new dedicated trading venue specifically designed for tokenized securities ^[1][2]. According to the announcement, the platform will support both tokenized versions of traditional stocks that maintain legal equivalence to conventional shares, as well as securities issued directly in digital form ^[2].

Holders of tokenized stocks will retain standard shareholder rights, including claims to dividends and voting rights ^[2]. Access to the platform will be available to all qualified broker-dealers ^[2].

Extended Trading Hours and Market Modernization

The blockchain initiative aligns with broader industry momentum toward extended trading schedules. In October 2024, NYSE announced plans to seek Securities and Exchange Commission approval for extending weekday trading to 22 hours ^[1]. Competitor Nasdaq has similarly revealed intentions to introduce 24-hour weekday trading, signaling an industry-wide transformation toward always-available markets ^[1].

Tokenized stocks represent digital versions of traditional company shares recorded on blockchain infrastructure ^[1]. They provide investors with exposure to stock price movements while offering advantages including continuous trading access, accelerated settlement processes, and fractional ownership capabilities ^[1]. These features hold particular appeal for international investors unable to participate during standard US market hours ^[1].

Part of Broader Digital Strategy

ICE characterized the tokenized securities platform as a central component of its comprehensive digital strategy ^[1]. The company is simultaneously developing on-chain clearing infrastructure to support continuous operations and exploring integration of tokenized collateral ^[1].

ICE is collaborating with major financial institutions including BNY and Citibank on implementing tokenized deposits, enabling market participants to manage liquidity outside conventional banking hours ^[1][2].

Lynn Martin, President of NYSE Group, stated the exchange aims to "lead the industry toward fully on-chain solutions" while maintaining "strong regulatory standards" ^[1]. She emphasized the exchange's two-century history of transforming market operations, noting the platform would connect "trust with cutting-edge technology" through "unparalleled protective measures and high regulatory standards" ^[2].

ICE executives described the project as a critical development toward establishing on-chain infrastructure for trading, settlement, custody, and capital formation in the next generation of global finance ^[1]. As one of the world's largest operators of financial market infrastructure, managing multiple exchanges and clearinghouses globally, ICE's move signals significant institutional adoption of blockchain technology in traditional securities markets ^[2].