KuCoin Launches Tesla and Strategy Stock Perpetual Contracts Settled in USDt
- KuCoin launches Tesla and Strategy perpetual contracts that allow traders to speculate on stock prices using USDt.
- The tokenized equities market grows past $1 billion as crypto exchanges expand stock linked trading products.
- Traditional exchanges explore tokenized stocks as platforms plan 24 hour trading and instant settlement systems.
KuCoin has introduced equity-linked perpetual derivatives that track major company stocks including Tesla and Strategy. The contracts allow traders to speculate on stock price movements without holding the shares. The exchange settled the contracts in USDt stablecoins. Traders can access the markets at any time through continuous crypto trading infrastructure.
The exchange listed the first contracts under the symbols TSLAUSDT and MSTRUSDT. These products mirror price movements of Tesla and Strategy shares. However, they do not provide ownership rights in the underlying companies. Instead, traders gain synthetic exposure through derivatives settled in stablecoins.
Additionally, the contracts operate without expiration dates. Traders can hold positions as long as margin requirements remain satisfied. The system also allows traders to open positions with as little as 1 USDt. Consequently, the product lowers entry barriers for users seeking equity-linked exposure.
KuCoin Introduces Continuous Equity-Linked Derivatives
KuCoin designed the contracts to reflect movements in the underlying equities. However, the exchange must account for differences between stock market hours and crypto markets. Therefore, the pricing model adjusts for the gap between traditional trading sessions and continuous derivatives markets.
Moreover, the contracts allow traders to speculate on price changes at any hour. Crypto derivatives markets operate twenty four hours every day. This structure differs from stock exchanges that close after daily sessions.
Furthermore, KuCoin confirmed that some regions may restrict access to the product. Local financial regulations determine eligibility for users in different jurisdictions. As a result, availability may vary depending on compliance requirements in each region.
Tokenized Equity Market Gains Momentum
The broader market for tokenized equities has expanded rapidly since early 2025. Data from RWA.xyz shows tokenized stocks reached about $1.03 billion in value. The sector held roughly $291 million at the start of January 2025.
Additionally, fintech companies and crypto exchanges continue to develop stock tokenization products. These platforms aim to provide continuous access to traditional financial assets. Consequently, investors increasingly explore tokenized markets through digital asset platforms.
Several exchanges have already expanded offerings in this sector. For instance, more than 60 tokenized stocks appeared on Kraken and Bybit earlier in 2025. The launch followed the introduction of Backed Finance’s xStocks tokenization product.
Crypto Platforms Expand Equity Token Access
Meanwhile, Robinhood expanded its tokenization program on the Arbitrum blockchain in October. The firm added 80 new stock tokens to its platform. This expansion brought the total number of tokenized assets close to 500. Moreover, Robinhood recently launched Robinhood Chain testnet to expand tokenized finance on Ethereum Layer 2.
Additionally, Kraken introduced tokenized equity perpetual futures on its regulated derivatives platform last month. The product allows eligible non-US traders to access leveraged exposure around the clock. Markets include major US stock indexes, gold, and companies such as Tesla, Nvidia, and Apple.
These developments show growing interest in blockchain-based stock trading infrastructure. Exchanges continue testing models that combine traditional equities with digital asset technology.
Traditional Exchanges Explore Tokenized Stock Platforms
Traditional financial institutions have also begun exploring tokenized stock trading. The New York Stock Exchange announced plans to develop a tokenized trading platform in January. The project aims to support round-the-clock trading and instant settlement. Additionally, Australian crypto exchange BTC Markets has informed regulators about plans to seek a license for tokenized real-world assets trading.
However, regulators must approve the system before the exchange launches the service. Authorities will review compliance standards before approving tokenized equity trading.
Meanwhile, Nasdaq has also moved forward with tokenized stock initiatives. In September, the exchange filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing seeks approval to list tokenized stocks.
Nasdaq later partnered with Payward, the parent company of Kraken, and Backed Finance. Together they are developing an equities tokenization gateway. The platform aims to begin serving issuers during the first half of 2027.
