Gate Research: Thoughts on Exodus Issuing Tokenized Stocks On-Chain

Abstract

• Event Review: Stock tokenization became a market hotspot in the second half of 2025, with Robinhood and xStocks driving a surge in trading volume and narrative heat. Exodus received SEC approval in December 2024 to transfer from the OTC market to the NYSE, significantly improving the liquidity of its tokenized stocks through the Algorand blockchain. In December 2024, the market size of tokenized stocks jumped from $5 million to over $200 million.

• Technical implementation: Exodus chose the Algorand blockchain to issue tokenized stocks, leveraging its advantage of over 6,000 transactions per second and less than 5 seconds latency to ensure efficient circulation. Algorand doesn’t require complex smart contracts; standard assets can be created with just key parameters, simplifying the deployment process. The Goal command set further reduces code complexity, quickly completing asset on-chain deployment and saving development time. Tools like JavaScript SDK provide diverse deployment methods, enhancing the convenience of on-chain asset management.

• Policy and regulation: Exodus completed tokenized financing through Regulation A exemption, but this mechanism is relatively inefficient. Only 33% of target funding was achieved between 2015-2024, with funding amounts dropping below $1 billion in 2024. US crypto-friendly policies and the regulatory sandbox promoted by the Trump administration provide new opportunities for stock tokenization. SEC crypto team leader Hester Peirce proposed establishing a regulatory sandbox, allowing companies to innovate in a controlled environment and supporting listed companies to issue tokenized securities on-chain.

• Share tokenization: Tokenized financing spans various stages from startup to IPO, with the Exodus case demonstrating the feasibility of IPO tokenization. US crypto-friendly policies in 2024 promoted large-scale applications in this field. Early-stage companies like Quadrant Biosciences raised over $13 million through tokenized equity. From Series C to Pre-IPO stages, Robinhood unauthorized tokenization of unicorn company stocks like SpaceX may lead to valuation fluctuations. IPO tokenization requires SEC approval; Exodus completed the process with Securitize’s assistance. Platforms like Backed Asset tokenize stocks of companies like Tesla through SPVs, with stock tokens circulating on the Solana chain, but price de-pegging may increase the risk of stock price volatility for listed companies.

• Future Trends: US crypto policy openness drives the development of stock tokenization. Listed companies may supplement liquidity through on-chain additional issuance of stocks or convertible bonds, supporting business expansion and acquisitions. In 2024, US stock refinancing reached $135.9 billion, far exceeding the $40.7 billion in IPOs, indicating huge market potential. Investors can subscribe to tokenized stocks at discounted prices and stake them on DeFi platforms for interest, attracting long-term investors. Crypto M&A transactions surged in 2025, such as Coinbase’s $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, and tokenized financing may facilitate industry consolidation.

Disclaimer
Investing in the cryptocurrency market involves high risk. Users are advised to conduct independent research and fully understand the nature of the assets and products before making any investment decisions. Gate is not responsible for any losses or damages arising from such investment decisions.