Kraken Expands Tokenized Stocks Offering
Kraken has moved its xStocks product to the TON blockchain, extending access to tokenized representations of U.S.-listed equities and exchange-traded funds through a network closely tied to Telegram. The rollout places Kraken among a growing group of crypto-native platforms experimenting with on-chain versions of traditional financial assets.
xStocks are designed to track the price of underlying public securities while trading as blockchain-based tokens. They typically offer fractional exposure and on-chain transferability, but do not grant shareholder rights such as voting or dividends paid directly to token holders.
Why TON Is Central to the Strategy
The TON blockchain has gained renewed traction due to its integration with Telegram, which embeds crypto wallets directly into its messaging interface. This allows users to interact with blockchain assets without relying on external wallet applications.
By deploying xStocks on TON, Kraken positions the product inside an ecosystem with hundreds of millions of potential users. Transaction fees on TON are also significantly lower than on Ethereum mainnet, making small-value trades and transfers more practical for retail participants.
This move reflects a broader industry shift toward distributing financial products within consumer platforms rather than standalone trading apps.
How xStocks on TON Are Structured
Under the xStocks model, tokens are minted on-chain while the corresponding real-world securities are held off-chain by a regulated custodian. Each token is intended to be fully backed, with issuance matched to the underlying asset.
Trading and transfers occur on the TON network, while price tracking follows the performance of the referenced stock or ETF during U.S. market hours. Redemption mechanics, audit frequency, and legal claims on the underlying assets depend on the specific issuing structure.
Regulatory Limits and User Access
Access to xStocks is jurisdiction-restricted. U.S.-based users are generally excluded, with availability focused on select international markets where tokenized equity products are permitted under local regulations.
Tokenized securities continue to face regulatory scrutiny worldwide, particularly around investor protections, disclosures, and whether such products fall under existing securities laws.
