Crypto exchange Gemini has launched a tokenized version of Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy (MSTR) stock exclusively for investors in the European Union, marking a significant expansion into the onchain equities space.
In a statement on Friday, Gemini said the new tokenized asset aims to simplify access to U.S.-listed stocks for international investors while modernizing outdated financial infrastructure.
“Traditional financial rails are hard to access and in need of modernization,” Gemini noted, arguing that onchain trading offers an alternative to the time-bound, geographically limited access typical of conventional markets.
Unlike traditional equities, tokenized stocks can be traded 24/7 and settled instantly, reducing delays and costs associated with cross-border transactions.
The firm added that more tokenized stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are expected to launch “in the coming days,” though it did not specify which assets would follow MSTR.
Dinari Partnership Enables Onchain Stock Trading
Gemini said the service was developed in partnership with U.S.-based public securities platform Dinari, whose tokenization-on-demand model underpins the offering.
“By leveraging Dinari’s infrastructure, we can deliver greater liquidity, transparency, and the same economic rights as the underlying security, where permitted,” Gemini explained.
The platform emphasized that investors can hold both crypto and tokenized stocks in a single account, without needing to liquidate digital assets to fund traditional equity purchases.
MicroStrategy stock has become a popular proxy for Bitcoin exposure, given the company’s aggressive BTC acquisition strategy. MSTR shares have risen 3.84% in the past month, trading near $383.88, according to Google Finance.
Earlier this week, financial analyst Jeff Walton predicted MicroStrategy has a strong chance of qualifying for inclusion in the S&P 500—provided Bitcoin prices remain above $95,240 through the end of the second quarter.
Europe Becomes Ground Zero for Tokenized Equities
Gemini’s rollout arrives amid intensifying competition among crypto firms to bring tokenized U.S. equities to European investors.
Last month, reports surfaced that Robinhood is building a blockchain platform to allow EU retail users to trade U.S. stocks. Shortly after, Kraken announced plans to let non-U.S. customers buy tokenized equities on its exchange, a move aimed at diversifying its revenue beyond crypto trading.
Meanwhile, Coinbase has signaled ambitions to secure regulatory approval to offer tokenized stocks in the U.S., though the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not yet greenlit such products.
Crypto leaders say they believe tokenized equities could eventually eclipse the size of the current crypto market. Arnab Naskar, CEO of tokenization platform STOKR, recently called the opportunity “a bigger trillion-dollar market” that could transform how investors access shares.
Quick Facts
- Gemini launched tokenized MicroStrategy (MSTR) shares for EU users, with more tokenized assets on the way.
- The offering was built in partnership with U.S. securities provider Dinari.
- Other exchanges, including Kraken and Robinhood, are also racing to bring tokenized equities to Europe.
- Analysts expect MicroStrategy’s S&P 500 eligibility to hinge on Bitcoin’s price performance.
