- Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has joined the board of crypto exchange OKX, strengthening its push into U.S. markets.
- Cuomo says blockchain is becoming the financial infrastructure of the future, with tokenized stocks enabling 24/7 global trading.
- The comments come as competition to bring U.S. equities onchain continues to accelerate across the crypto industry.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has thrown his support behind tokenized stock trading after officially joining the board of cryptocurrency exchange OKX.
Speaking on Fox Business, Cuomo described blockchain technology as the foundation of the next generation of financial markets, arguing that tokenized equities could transform how investors around the world access U.S. stocks.
The appointment further strengthens Cuomo’s relationship with OKX, which is actively expanding its presence in the United States as interest in tokenized assets continues to grow.
OKX and ICE Aim to Modernize Markets
Cuomo’s appointment follows the launch of a 50-50 joint venture between OKX and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange.
The partnership is focused on expanding digital asset infrastructure and exploring new opportunities in tokenized finance.
According to Cuomo, combining one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges with one of the most established financial market operators creates a powerful opportunity to modernize capital markets.
Tokenized Stocks Could Enable 24/7 Trading
During the interview, Cuomo said tokenization could fundamentally change the way equities are traded.
Instead of relying on traditional market hours, tokenized shares could allow investors to buy and sell stocks 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while also enabling fractional ownership. That means investors could purchase small portions of expensive stocks rather than needing to buy full shares.
He also argued that around-the-clock trading could attract significant international capital into U.S. financial markets by making American equities more accessible to global investors.
Competition in Tokenized Equities Is Heating Up
The race to bring traditional financial assets onchain has accelerated over the past year.
Several crypto firms are expanding their tokenized stock offerings, with companies such as Robinhood providing tokenized U.S. equities to European customers, while Backpack has introduced continuous 24/7 trading for tokenized shares.
As blockchain infrastructure continues to mature, tokenized equities are becoming one of the fastest-growing areas of digital asset innovation.
Crypto and Traditional Finance Continue to Converge
Cuomo’s latest comments reflect a broader shift across the financial industry, where major exchanges, banks, and crypto companies are increasingly working together to bridge traditional finance with blockchain technology.
As regulatory clarity improves and institutional participation expands, tokenized stocks are emerging as one of the most closely watched applications of blockchain, offering the potential for faster settlement, greater accessibility, and always-open global markets.
