The London Stock Exchange has partnered with Kraken parent company Payward to launch tokenized UK equity trading on its new 24/5 night-time venue starting in 2027.

Key Points

• The London Stock Exchange (LSE) will utilize its new LSE 24 trading venue to offer round-the-clock access to tokenized UK stocks.
• Payward, the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, is providing the infrastructure for the initiative.
• The project aims to facilitate fractional ownership and continuous trading for investors during the work week.
• Major financial institutions including Nasdaq, CME Group, and the Intercontinental Exchange are also actively developing blockchain-based equity products.
• Data from RWA.xyz shows the total value of tokenized stocks has reached $2.53 billion, with a 153% increase in equity holders.

Why it Matters

This partnership signals a significant shift as traditional stock exchanges increasingly integrate blockchain technology to modernize market infrastructure and extend trading hours. By adopting tokenization, these institutions aim to improve liquidity and accessibility for global investors while competing with emerging decentralized finance platforms.