Robinhood has launched a public testnet for its Ethereum layer-2 network, Robinhood Chain, inviting developers to experiment with tokenized assets. The move signals the brokerage’s ambition to expand beyond crypto trading into decentralized finance and tokenized traditional assets. This phase aims to assess technical performance while exploring integration with Robinhood’s existing retail services, marking a strategic shift from viewing layer-2 technology merely as a scaling solution to a foundational tool for rebuilding financial systems.
about Robinhood Chain Testnet Launches for Tokenized Asset DevelopmentJohann Kerbrat
1 posts last weekRobinhood Bets on Ethereum Layer-2 for Tokenized Assets
Robinhood is making a significant move into crypto with its Ethereum layer-2 network, built on Arbitrum, to facilitate tokenized asset trading. Johann Kerbrat, Robinhood’s Crypto GM, emphasized the need to avoid fragmented liquidity, criticizing the proliferation of siloed tokenized assets. Kraken, on the other hand, is pushing forward with tokenized stocks on Solana via xStocks, despite its unused Ethereum layer-2 network, Ink. Both platforms aim to modernize finance but differ in their approaches—Robinhood seeks broad ecosystem compatibility, while Kraken focuses on Solana for mass adoption. Regulatory clarity remains a key hurdle for wider implementation.
about Robinhood Bets on Ethereum Layer-2 for Tokenized AssetsRobinhood Stock Hits ATH with New Crypto & TradFi Products
Robinhood’s stock (HOOD) reached a record high of $92, up 11% following its announcement of new crypto and traditional finance offerings. The firm revealed plans to launch a Layer 2 blockchain on Arbitrum, enabling tokenized stocks and 24/7 trading for European customers. Additionally, Robinhood will introduce perpetual futures with 3x leverage in Europe and crypto staking services for US users, starting with Ethereum and Solana. CEO Vlad Tenev showcased the tokenized stock feature by executing an OpenAI transaction on Arbitrum. These moves aim to bridge TradFi and DeFi, making crypto more accessible while driving Robinhood’s growth as a hybrid financial platform.
about Robinhood Stock Hits ATH with New Crypto & TradFi ProductsRobinhood Launches Tokenized Stock Trading in Europe
Robinhood has announced the rollout of tokenized stock trading for European users via the Ethereum layer-2 network Arbitrum, alongside plans to develop its own Ethereum layer-2 network optimized for real-world assets. European customers will now have access to crypto perpetual futures with up to 3x leverage, while U.S. users can stake Ethereum and Solana. The move aims to eliminate high fees for European investors accessing U.S. stocks, charging only a 0.1% foreign-exchange fee. Robinhood also teased upcoming features like a crypto cash-back credit card and tax-optimized crypto sales. The expansion follows the acquisition of Bitstamp and securing a MiCA license, enabling services in over 31 European countries.
about Robinhood Launches Tokenized Stock Trading in EuropeRobinhood Hosts Ethereum, Arbitrum Leaders in Cannes
Robinhood announced a fireside chat with Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin, Robinhood Crypto GM Johann Kerbrat, and Offchain Labs’ A.J. Warner during its Cannes event on July 1. Offchain Labs, the team behind Arbitrum (ARB), joins as ARB’s price shows a potential 73% breakout rally. The discussion may signal upcoming blockchain developments or partnerships, fueling market speculation. The event underscores Robinhood’s growing influence in crypto, particularly in Europe, while Arbitrum’s ecosystem gains further attention.
about Robinhood Hosts Ethereum, Arbitrum Leaders in CannesRobinhood’s Arbitrum Buzz Sparks 15% ARB Surge
Arbitrum (ARB) has surged 15% amid speculation that Robinhood could select it as the blockchain for its upcoming European trading platform. The buzz intensified after Robinhood announced a Cannes ‘fireside chat’ featuring Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin and Arbitrum’s A.J. Warner. ARB’s trading volume spiked 591% to $774 million, with active addresses exceeding 446,000 in 24 hours. While still 84% below its January peak, traders eye $0.45-$0.50 as a key resistance zone. Robinhood’s potential blockchain partnership, alongside Arbitrum’s AI-focused Web3 tools like Hive, positions ARB for continued growth if confirmed.
about Robinhood's Arbitrum Buzz Sparks 15% ARB SurgeArbitrum & Robinhood Rumored Partnership Sparks 17% Token Surge
Rumors of a partnership between Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution Arbitrum and trading platform Robinhood Markets have intensified following an X post teasing a ‘fireside chat’ with key figures, including Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and Offchain Labs’ A.J. Warner. The Arbitrum token (ARB) surged 17% in anticipation of the announcement, set to be revealed at Robinhood’s Europe-hosted event in Cannes, France. The event is being marketed as Robinhood’s ‘biggest crypto announcements of the year,’ fueling speculation about deeper integration between the trading platform and the layer-2 network.
about Arbitrum & Robinhood Rumored Partnership Sparks 17% Token SurgeRobinhood Exec Urges SEC to Revamp Investor Rules for Tokenization
Johann Kerbrat, Robinhood Crypto’s SVP, advocates for overhauling U.S. investor accreditation rules to foster tokenization. Currently, 90% of Americans are barred from early-stage on-chain investments due to income-based restrictions. Kerbrat suggests replacing financial thresholds with education-based checks, allowing broader participation. Tokenization could streamline startup funding by reducing reliance on intermediaries like VCs and investment banks, which often dilute founder control. In April, Kerbrat submitted a formal recommendation to the SEC, emphasizing the need for federal-level regulatory consistency. Advocates like BlackRock’s Larry Fink highlight tokenization’s efficiency benefits, but outdated rules remain a barrier.
about Robinhood Exec Urges SEC to Revamp Investor Rules for TokenizationRobinhood Acquires Bitstamp for $200M to Boost Crypto Reach
Robinhood has completed its $200 million acquisition of Bitstamp, marking a strategic push into global crypto markets and institutional services. Bitstamp, founded in 2011, brings a strong reputation, 50+ global licenses, and key products like crypto-as-a-service and institutional staking. The acquisition allows Robinhood to expand beyond the U.S. into the EU, UK, and Asia, while also inheriting Bitstamp’s seasoned team and compliance-focused brand. The deal follows Robinhood’s recent regulatory clearance from the SEC, which closed an investigation into its crypto arm without action. Robinhood has also proposed modernized regulations for tokenized real-world assets, signaling its long-term ambitions in blockchain-based finance.
about Robinhood Acquires Bitstamp for $200M to Boost Crypto ReachRobinhood Completes $200M Bitstamp Takeover, Expands Global Crypto Reach
Robinhood has successfully closed its $200 million all-cash acquisition of Bitstamp, a move that instantly transforms the U.S.-focused fintech into a global crypto player. The deal provides Robinhood with more than 50 active licenses across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., along with access to Bitstamp’s institutional revenue streams and 85+ tradable assets. This acquisition allows Robinhood to bypass years of regulatory hurdles and expand its services under Europe’s MiCA framework. Additionally, Bitstamp’s established reputation among retail and institutional investors positions Robinhood to compete more effectively with rivals like Coinbase and Kraken. The merger also follows the SEC’s closure of a long-running probe into Robinhood Crypto, removing a key obstacle to the deal.
about Robinhood Completes $200M Bitstamp Takeover, Expands Global Crypto ReachRobinhood Completes $200M Bitstamp Acquisition
Robinhood Markets has completed its $200 million acquisition of Bitstamp, the world’s longest-running crypto exchange, in an all-cash deal. This acquisition, Robinhood’s largest to date, provides the fintech firm with 50 global crypto licenses and access to over 5,000 institutional clients, along with a substantial retail customer base. The move is part of Robinhood’s strategy to expand its crypto business, leveraging Bitstamp’s established reputation and regulatory compliance. Bitstamp will continue operating under its existing brand, ensuring service continuity. The deal follows Robinhood’s plans to acquire Canadian crypto firm WonderFi for $179 million, highlighting its growing focus on the crypto sector.
about Robinhood Completes $200M Bitstamp AcquisitionTokenization Opens Real-World Assets to Retail Investors
Despite claims of improving financial accessibility, real-world assets (RWAs) remain largely concentrated among high-net-worth individuals. At Consensus 2025, Robinhood Crypto’s Johann Kerbrat emphasized tokenization as a game-changer, enabling fractional ownership of assets like real estate and private equity—previously accessible only to accredited investors or the wealthiest 10% of the U.S. population. Kerbrat argued that tokenization not only simplifies trading but also broadens access, fostering greater financial inclusion. This shift could redefine investment opportunities for retail investors, making high-value assets more attainable through fractionalized tokens.
about Tokenization Opens Real-World Assets to Retail Investors