Coinbase is rolling out tokenized stocks and prediction markets to its Canadian platform, extending its “everything exchange” strategy beyond cryptocurrency into traditional financial products. Eric Richmond, Country Director and CEO of Coinbase Canada, announced the expansion on BNN Bloomberg on July 21, 2026.
Tokenized stocks are versions of equities that trade on blockchain technology underpinning Bitcoin. The exchange argues the shift addresses structural inefficiencies in traditional markets. “I think people are starting to realize the fact that banks close at 4 p.m., or the markets close at 4 p.m., or that wires can take days to settle, or that access for high-net-worth individuals to certain products are gated for just those high-net-worth individuals,” Richmond said.
Coinbase started as a Bitcoin trading platform and now offers hundreds of digital coins. The exchange already allows Americans to place bets and trade stocks. Kraken is also expanding beyond crypto to stocks and prediction markets.
Blockchain as Financial Infrastructure
Richmond framed blockchain as the technological foundation for an integrated financial platform. “Coinbase believes we have a new technology here that can really help with that, and that’s blockchain and the technology that underpins crypto today. How do we create that one place for Canadians to have their entire financial experience in one app that’s underpinned by this technology that makes things frictionless, seamless, and 24/7?” he said.
Proponents of tokenization argue the approach enables 24/7 trading, a contrast to traditional equity markets with fixed operating hours.
Regulatory and Banking Moves
Coinbase received conditional approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a national trust banking charter, allowing it to serve as a federal crypto custodian for larger entities. Coinbase provides custody services to Wall Street firms including BlackRock.
JPMorgan Chase signed a deal with Coinbase last year. The exchange also holds seized crypto under a U.S. government contract.
Coinbase did not specify a launch timeline for the Canadian expansion or name the Canadian regulators it is working with. The exchange also did not provide details on which specific tokenized stocks or prediction market products will be offered.
