On June 30, 2025, Robinhood hosted its highly anticipated Robinhood Crypto Event, titled “To Catch a Token,” in Cannes, France. The event marked a bold leap into blockchain innovation, as Robinhood revealed tokenized U.S. stocks, a proprietary Layer 2 blockchain, crypto staking, perpetual futures, and new AI tools. This significant update signaled Robinhood’s transformation from a stock-trading app to a next-gen crypto-first investment platform.
Tokenized U.S. Stocks and ETFs Go Live
One of the event’s key announcements was the introduction of Robinhood Stock Tokens for European users. Over 200 tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs—such as Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, and Vanguard S&P 500—are now available to trade 24/5.
These stock tokens offer several benefits:
- Commission-free trading from Monday to Friday
- Dividend distributions directly to token holders
- Fractional ownership, making expensive stocks accessible
- Availability in EU and EEA markets without traditional broker requirements
Initially launched on Arbitrum, Robinhood plans to migrate stock tokens to its upcoming Layer 2 blockchain, which will support self-custody and instant settlement.
Robinhood’s Native Layer 2 Blockchain
At the center of the Robinhood Crypto Event was the announcement of a custom-built Layer 2 blockchain. Designed using Arbitrum technology, this blockchain is focused on real-world asset tokenization.
It will support:
- Gas-efficient trading
- Seamless token transfers
- 24/7 blockchain activity
- Direct integration with tokenized stocks and crypto
Johann Kerbrat, SVP and GM of Robinhood Crypto, emphasized that the chain aims to “make powerful tools intuitive,” indicating Robinhood’s intent to bridge traditional finance with DeFi.
Crypto Perpetual Futures Launched in Europe
For European users, Robinhood introduced crypto perpetual futures with up to 3× leverage. These futures are initially available through Bitstamp and include advanced trading tools to manage risk and margin.
Key features include:
- Round-the-clock trading
- Commission-free model
- Fully regulated under MiCA licenses
- Intuitive user interface for complex trades
A full-scale rollout across European markets is expected by the end of summer 2025, giving Robinhood a major edge in regulated crypto derivatives.
Crypto Staking Comes to the U.S.
Robinhood also expanded its crypto offerings in the United States by launching staking options for Ethereum and Solana. This allows users to earn rewards directly through the platform while keeping assets liquid.
Other U.S. updates from the Robinhood Crypto Event include:
- Tax-lot selection tools for smarter selling
- Smart routing for optimal crypto order execution
- The upcoming launch of Cortex, an AI assistant for crypto analysis
- A crypto rewards credit card launching later in 2025
- A time-limited deposit bonus offering up to 2% in crypto rewards
These features enhance the platform’s value for both casual users and professional traders.
Why the Robinhood Crypto Event Matters
Bridging TradFi and DeFi
By merging tokenized stocks and native crypto features under one platform, Robinhood is creating a hybrid financial ecosystem. Users can now trade traditional assets and digital currencies without switching platforms.
Regulatory Advantage in Europe
While the U.S. regulatory environment remains uncertain, Robinhood is using the EU’s MiCA framework to roll out advanced features faster and more compliantly.
Market Response and Growth
Following the event, Robinhood’s stock surged by 13%, setting a new all-time high. Q2 crypto revenue hit $252 million, doubling year-over-year. Analysts upgraded price targets, citing the crypto push as a key growth engine.
User Benefits at a Glance
- Tokenized stocks available 24/5
- New blockchain for speed, security, and self-custody
- EU crypto futures with leverage
- Staking and smart tools in the U.S.
- AI-powered trading insights with Cortex
Robinhood’s Roadmap for 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, Robinhood’s roadmap includes:
- Expanding tokenized stocks to over 2,000 U.S. equities and ETFs
- Launching its Layer 2 blockchain publicly by late 2025 or early 2026
- Enabling full self-custody of both stocks and cryptocurrencies
- Introducing perpetual futures and tokenized assets to U.S. users, pending regulatory clarity
- Adding support for more cryptocurrencies such as Toncoin, Sui, Aptos, and others
With these milestones, Robinhood aims to become a global financial super-app for both traditional and crypto assets.
Final Thoughts
The Robinhood Crypto Event represents a defining moment in the company’s evolution. By fusing tokenized U.S. stocks with decentralized technology, Robinhood is poised to lead the next wave of fintech disruption. Whether you’re a retail investor, crypto enthusiast, or blockchain builder, Robinhood’s latest innovations offer new tools and opportunities to participate in the digital economy.
As Europe continues to benefit from Robinhood’s early adoption of tokenized assets and crypto derivatives, the pressure now shifts to U.S. regulators to catch up with this transformative vision. One thing is clear—Robinhood is no longer just a trading app; it’s becoming a crypto-first financial ecosystem.
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