BitMEX Expands Beyond Crypto with Always-On Tokenized Stock Trading

TLDR

• BitMEX has launched Equity Perps that allow 24/7 trading of major US stocks using crypto as collateral.
• The new product includes exposure to Apple Tesla Nvidia the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq index.
• The contracts are perpetual with no expiry and use funding rates similar to crypto derivatives.
• BitMEX offers maker rebates and accepts Bitcoin Ethereum XRP Solana and stablecoins as collateral.
• The platform aims to serve both crypto traders and retail users without access to traditional stock markets.

BitMEX has launched Equity Perps, offering round-the-clock trading for tokenized US stocks using crypto collateral, marking a market expansion. The contracts provide access to equities like Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia with high leverage and 24/7 availability, using Bitcoin and other crypto assets. The move follows growing interest in tokenized equities, as platforms report surging volumes and user engagement.

BitMEX Launches Equity Perps with Crypto-Collateral Backing

BitMEX introduced perpetual contracts for US stocks and indexes, operating with crypto collateral and around-the-clock access. These instruments mirror crypto perpetual swaps and eliminate expiry dates while relying on funding rate mechanisms. Investors can trade equities outside traditional hours while using assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum as collateral.

CEO Stephan Lutz said, “Younger investors want flexibility and control; Equity Perps deliver both, without liquidating crypto holdings.” The product also enables exposure to traditional stocks for those outside US time zones. It targets both seasoned crypto derivatives traders and retail participants who face barriers in equity markets.

The contracts are available through a Panamanian entity and offer a neutral 0% funding rate near fair value. Maker rebates of 2.5 basis points further incentivize liquidity. Supported collateral includes BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, and stablecoins, enabling diverse strategies.

Bitget and Kraken Report Surge in Tokenized Equity Volumes

Bitget revealed its spot trading volume for tokenized stocks exceeded $1 billion, with 95% occurring in December. CEO Gracy Chen linked this to renewed tech interest and rising demand for precious metals. She said, “December’s surge went hand in hand with the US equities and AI-driven enthusiasm.”

Kraken’s xStocks tokenized equity platform surpassed $10 billion in combined exchange volume. Coinbase also began integrating equities and tokenized assets, aligning with the broader market trend. These developments suggest crypto-style access to equities is gaining user traction globally.

Chen added, “The $1 billion validates user demand for onchain access to traditional assets.” She emphasized that exchanges are adjusting to meet evolving trading behaviors. Crypto-native infrastructure is increasingly supporting equity-based products with decentralized access.

BitMEX is entering this competitive space while emphasizing its crypto-native framework. The firm frames its equity perps as an evolution of existing trading formats. Its offering appeals to retail users familiar with crypto leverage and perpetual swaps.

Regulatory Uncertainty Remains Over Tokenized Equities

Equity Perps and tokenized stocks operate in a regulatory gray area across many jurisdictions. Authorities in the US and EU have raised concerns about investor protections and ownership rights. These issues remain unresolved as trading models evolve faster than existing regulations.

BitMEX stated it operates in compliance with applicable laws and avoids structural complexities through cash-settled contracts. Lutz said the product avoids complications found in spot tokenized shares. He emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible operations.

Chen acknowledged regulatory differences between regions, saying, “We respect jurisdictional models as part of industry evolution.” Bitget continues monitoring frameworks while expanding access to tokenized products. Other exchanges have adopted similar approaches to align with compliance standards.

The global rollout of tokenized equities is accelerating, with demand from Gen Z and emerging market participants. Gallup data shows younger investors prefer alternative assets and flexible trading formats. BitMEX aims to meet these preferences with its new offering.

BitMEX has not provided details about jurisdiction-specific access restrictions. However, the platform continues expanding its product range in parallel with regulatory developments. Equity Perps mark BitMEX’s latest step in adapting traditional markets to crypto infrastructure.

The post BitMEX Expands Beyond Crypto with Always-On Tokenized Stock Trading appeared first on CoinCentral.