Robinhood Expands Crypto Suite, Launches Layer-2 Blockchain Targeting EU
Fintech giant Robinhood is significantly expanding its cryptocurrency offerings, announcing the development of a new layer-2 (L2) blockchain built on the Arbitrum rollup platform. The stated goal is to support tokenized real-world assets, signaling a major move into the tokenized securities market.
This new infrastructure will underpin trading in tokenized stocks for select European Union users. Over 200 stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) will be initially listed, with holders receiving accompanying tokenized dividends. The tokenized securities themselves will be issued on the Arbitrum L2 network. Competitor Gemini recently launched tokenized stock trading in the EU, starting with MicroStrategy (MSTR).
Though still under development, Robinhood aims for the L2 architecture eventually to support 24/7 trading, self-custody features, and bridging capabilities between its various asset classes. According to company spokesperson Johann Kerbrat, the initiative represents a core strategic goal: “Last year, in a nutshell, I was really like, ‘How do we rebuild Robinhood, in [many] countries, completely onchain?’… It’s really exciting to see that in one app… and we are able to offer stock, ETF, perpetual, spot crypto.”
Alongside tokenized equities, eligible EU users will also access trading in perpetual futures. Order routing for these derivatives utilizes Bitstamp’s platform, following Robinhood’s acquisition activities. Kerbrat emphasized the cautious rollout: “To get access to perps, you will have to fill out a questionnaire and make sure that you’re a qualified trader…”
Looking ahead, Kerbrat confirmed that deep integration into the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem represents the next strategic priority. While the EU-facing features built on Arbitrum are fully developed, Robinhood told Blockworks that its core technology is ready; US deployment requires regulatory pathway clarity.
In the interim, US users will see new offerings unfurl. Following an EU debut over a year ago, the brokerage is planning to launch Ethereum and Solana staking. Notably, it will also implement the ability to choose tax lots for crypto transactions—a feature valued by traders holding multiple units of an asset.
Kerbrat reiterated the company’s mission: “We’re onboarding the world to crypto by making it as easy to use as possible—with the goal of bringing powerful tools into one intuitive platform.”
The initiative underscores Robinhood’s ambition to solidify its position at the intersection of traditional finance and cryptocurrency innovation, starting with the EU market.
