Coinbase Prepares Big Shift With Tokenized Equities Plan

• Coinbase launches prediction markets and tokenized U.S. stocks during Dec. 17 event.
• Competition rises as exchanges expand prediction tools under easing U.S. regulations.
• Tokenized equities surge as Coinbase seeks control over issuance, liquidity, and design.

Coinbase plans to unveil prediction markets and tokenized U.S. equities on December 17 during its livestream event, a shift that blends traditional finance with blockchain trading. The move follows the exchange’s recent activity across India and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as new partnerships with major banks for Bitcoin access. The company aims to anchor its strategy around regulated assets as demand for tokenized products rises.

Coinbase Expands Into Tokenized Stocks 

The planned launch places Coinbase in two sectors that gained momentum throughout the year. According to Bloomberg, the exchange intends to issue tokenized stocks in-house, which gives it complete control over structure and distribution. 

This approach separates it from competitors that rely on external issuers for similar assets. Social media screenshots in recent weeks showed early versions of prediction market tools and digital equity interfaces. 

These previews surfaced after Coinbase previously stated interest in both areas but avoided confirming specific launch timelines. However, the spokesperson told Bloomberg to “tune in to the Dec. 17 livestream,” which will reveal the full product lineup.

This expansion aligns with Coinbase’s broader push into real-world asset infrastructure. The company reopened its India registrations, increased hiring across APAC, and secured partnerships with large banks that offer access to Bitcoin trading. 

Strong Competition Across Prediction Markets

Several firms entered the event contracts sector as regulatory conditions eased under the Trump administration. This shift allowed platforms to roll out products tied to elections, sports, economic data, and entertainment outcomes. Companies such as Gemini, Robinhood, Crypto.com, and Kalshi expanded into the space through new approvals and alliances.

Gemini recently obtained CFTC approval to introduce its regulated prediction platform, Gemini Titan, in the U.S. This approval positions the exchange alongside other operators targeting the growing event contracts market. Robinhood, meanwhile, partnered with Kalshi to offer prediction products on its platform as part of a joint venture.

Crypto.com also moved into the category by partnering with Trump Media & Technology Group to support new prediction market services. These offerings joined a sector estimated to exceed $10 billion in activity as institutional and retail interest increased. The growing number of entrants indicates increased competition that Coinbase plans to join with its own launch.

Related: Gemini Titan Enters Prediction Markets With CFTC Approval

Tokenized Equities Gain Momentum 

Tokenized equities grew in popularity as blockchain companies adopted models that linked digital tokens to traditional securities. Data from rwa.xyz shows that the monthly transfer volume increased by roughly 32 percent to $1.45 billion in the past month. 

Platforms such as Robinhood and Kraken already offered tokenized U.S. stocks in some regions, though U.S. access remains limited. Coinbase’s plan to issue these equities internally sets it apart within this emerging segment. 

The exchange will not rely on external partners for issuance, indicating a strategy focused on controlling settlement, liquidity, and compliance design. The addition follows earlier statements from Coinbase leadership about building an all-in-one platform that allows users to access multiple markets.

These developments connect back to Coinbase’s global expansion efforts. The company strengthened its custodial relationships as Kalshi selected Coinbase Custody for USDC settlement. This position emphasizes Coinbase’s role within the broader settlement ecosystem that supports prediction markets and tokenized assets.

Sector Alliances Strengthen Market Structure

The market’s growth led major operators to form the coalition for Prediction Markets, which includes Coinbase, Robinhood, Kalshi, Crypto.com, and sports gaming operator Underdog. The group intends to establish stronger operating standards and integrity measures across the industry. Zumo founder Nick Jones stated that a federal court’s dismissal of election betting restrictions last year renewed investor activity across U.S. markets.

This network supports the regulatory-friendly environment Coinbase seeks for its Dec. 17 rollout. The company continues to adjust its playbook to align with rules governing tokenized assets and event markets, which remain central to its approach as it enters both categories simultaneously.

Coinbase’s upcoming product suite places the exchange in two fast-growing areas of digital finance. The move connects its recent global expansion with a strategy that merges regulated assets and blockchain trading. The December 17 showcase will clarify how its in-house tokenized equities and prediction markets fit into that broader shift.