NYSE’s 24/7 Strategy Could Address Core Issues for Stock Tokens, Says Ondo’s de Bode

Key Takeaways

• Liquidity Solution: The introduction of 24/7 trading by the NYSE and Nasdaq could significantly alleviate the liquidity challenges faced by stock tokens during weekends.
• Ondo Global Markets: Ondo Finance’s stock token platform has become the largest provider, with over $500 million in total value locked and more than $7 billion in traded volume since launching in September 2025.
• Tokenization Focus: Ondo is concentrating its efforts on stocks and ETFs due to their clear valuation and deep liquidity, making them ideal for tokenization.
• Comparison with Peers: Ondo’s growth surpasses that of major players such as Kraken’s xStocks and Robinhood, underscoring its market leadership.
• Future Expansion: Ondo plans to expand its asset offerings, further integrate with blockchain technologies, and collaborate with exchanges aiming to rival traditional brokerage services.

WEEX Crypto News, 2026-02-19 09:41:01

In an era where the convergence of traditional finance and decentralized finance is becoming increasingly seamless, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq’s plans to introduce 24/7 trading with tokenized stock could be a pivotal development. This initiative, anticipated as a “godsend” by Ondo Finance’s President Ian de Bode, is set to address a significant liquidity issue that plagues stock tokens, particularly over weekends.

The Promise of 24/7 Trading

The problem of limited liquidity over weekends has long been a challenge for the tokenized stock market. Crypto markets, including decentralized finance (DeFi), have long operated around the clock. In stark contrast, traditional finance (TradFi) typically adheres to a Monday-through-Friday schedule, leaving a disconnect that complicates hedging for market makers dealing with stock tokens.

De Bode expresses strong optimism about the potential of 24/7 trading to bridge this gap, allowing TradFi and DeFi to operate in sync. The move would not only enhance liquidity but also provide investors with continuous access to the markets, mirroring the nature of digital assets and cryptocurrencies.

Ondo’s Market Leadership in Stock Tokens

Ondo Finance has positioned itself at the forefront of this emerging market through its platform, Ondo Global Markets. Since its launch in September 2025, the platform has rapidly accumulated more than $500 million in total value locked, coupled with over $7 billion in volume traded. This success catapults Ondo Global Markets to the front of the pack among stock token providers, outstripping competitors like Kraken’s xStocks and Robinhood. The stock token market itself is nearing the $1 billion mark, attracting substantial interest from various investor demographics across the globe.

The tokenization initiative initially began with U.S. Treasuries, positioning Ondo as the leading issuer in this space too, with over $2 billion in assets. The decision to intensify focus on stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) stems from their clear valuation metrics and deep liquidity, which benefit price discovery. Stocks are intuitive assets for most investors, unlike more opaque or complex alternative assets such as real estate or private credits.

Ondo’s tokenized notes are underpinned by stocks via clearing brokers, enabling the tokens to move freely across digital wallets akin to stablecoins. Investors are required to complete know-your-customer (KYC) procedures only at the inception stage of minting, enhancing access and usability. This structural choice empowers trade on DeFi platforms, overriding common hindrances like transfer restrictions or illiquid markets faced by other tokenized stock offerings.

Technological Advancements and Global Reach

One of the flagship features of Ondo’s platform is the instant minting and burning mechanism. It allows large investors to conduct multimillion-dollar trades in tokenized equities mirroring their existing brokerage accounts, all without incurring additional premiums or slippage. For instance, an investor recently tokenized $17 million worth of Google stock, highlighting the platform’s high capacity.

The platform’s appeal extends beyond the typical investor base, attracting users across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, coupled with the tech-savvy crypto natives. What makes Ondo Finance particularly attractive is the flexibility it offers — investors can effortlessly alternate between cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, and traditional stocks like Google shares without exiting their crypto wallets.

Despite its triumphs, Ondo is aware of the liquidity thinness that still persists on weekends. As the NYSE and Nasdaq prepare to extend their trading hours to 24/7, there lies promise to eliminate this roadblock, leading towards a fully integrated financial ecosystem.

Bridging TradFi and DeFi

The seamless operation of stocks and crypto on a 24/7 basis holds transformative implications for the convergence of traditional and decentralized finance. A synchronized operation ensures that market-making strategies remain robust and optimally functional irrespective of the day or time. The proposed operational alignment extends beyond just market mechanics; it entails a transformation in investor habits and the structure of market participation, moving towards a global, uninterrupted financial rhythm.

In the words of de Bode, the off-peak liquidity constraint is “our biggest bottleneck.” By eliminating this, traditional financial systems can synchronize with the constant hum of digital and decentralized platforms, enabling a fresh paradigm where every second is an opportunity to trade, hedge, and invest.

Ondo’s Forward-Looking Vision

Looking ahead, Ondo has ambitious plans to expand its global markets platform by adding a broader range of assets, establishing integrations with new blockchains, and powering exchanges targeting competition with retail brokers. De Bode is firm on clarifying that Ondo does not intend to compete with existing exchanges; rather, it seeks to empower them. He envisions Ondo as comparable to Tether for stocks, offering unparalleled liquidity and access that can invigorate the market.

In pursuit of this goal, Ondo plans to deepen partnerships and technological integration to provide seamless services. As the digital finance infrastructure evolves, Ondo is poised to be a pivotal player facilitating the smooth transition on multiple fronts, balancing innovation with robust service delivery.

Comparisons and Industry Context

The stock token market is still in its nascent stages, yet its growth trajectory indicates a remarkable future potential. Offering clear, understandable pricing and liquidity, stock tokens play to investors’ strengths by utilizing familiar instruments in novel ways. With rapid growth and integration opportunities on the horizon, the journey of tokenization is one with long-term potential for remarkable value creation.

In comparison to real estate tokenization models that might lack immediate market liquidity or reliable valuation metrics, stocks and ETFs provide a more straightforward adoption path for tokenization initiatives. Moreover, with players like Apollo Global Management and BlackRock entering the DeFi space, the landscape appears ripe for mainstream financial adoption, leveraging tokenization as a foundational pillar.

Conclusion

The endeavor to create seamless, 24/7 trading across both traditional and decentralized platforms is emblematic of finance’s future. As industry giants like NYSE and Nasdaq align with growth players like Ondo Finance, the predictive power and liquidity of stock tokens will likely redefine financial dynamics. With the planned technological and operational advancements, the future of financial markets is poised for unprecedented synchronization, offering greater accessibility, liquidity, and potential returns for investors worldwide.

FAQ

What are the main benefits of 24/7 stock token trading?

24/7 stock token trading facilitates continuous liquidity and accessibility, allowing investors to trade at any time, similar to crypto markets. This synchronizes traditional finance operations with decentralized finance, eliminating weekend bottlenecks and enhancing market efficiency.

How does Ondo Finance’s platform compare with others in the industry?

Ondo Finance’s platform, Ondo Global Markets, has quickly become the largest provider of stock tokens, outperforming significant competitors like Kraken’s xStocks and Robinhood. The platform’s unique features, such as instant minting and burning, provide significant advantages and enhance liquidity and access.

Why are stocks and ETFs the focus of Ondo’s tokenization efforts?

Stocks and ETFs are particularly suited to tokenization due to their deep liquidity, clear price discovery, and investors’ familiarity. Unlike more complex assets, they provide reliable valuation metrics and are easily understandable, making tokenization more practical and scalable.

What challenges does Ondo still face in the tokenization market?

Weekend liquidity remains a challenge for Ondo, but with planned 24/7 trading initiatives by NYSE and Nasdaq, this issue may soon be resolved. This anticipated change will synchronize traditional finance trading with the constant flow of DeFi markets.

What role does Ondo play in the broader financial ecosystem?

Ondo aims to empower exchanges rather than compete with them, likening itself to the Tether for stocks by providing unparalleled access and liquidity. Its platform strives to facilitate seamless transitions from traditional finance to decentralized systems, enhancing overall market operations.