Bitget Expands with Direct Access to 10,000 US Stocks and ETFs
Cryptocurrency exchange Bitget has officially launched direct access to over 10,000 U.S.-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), enabling users to trade real equities using USDC through a U.S.-licensed broker [1]. This expansion, announced on June 22, 2026, marks a significant shift in the exchange’s multi-asset strategy by bridging traditional finance (TradFi) and digital assets within a single crypto-native account [3]. The service grants eligible users full shareholder rights, including cash dividends and voting privileges, while supporting pre-market, regular, and after-hours trading sessions [3]. By settling trades with stablecoins and executing them via regulated brokerage infrastructure, Bitget addresses growing demand for unified access to equity and crypto markets [2]. This launch positions Bitget as a key competitor in the emerging tokenized and direct-trading asset sector, potentially altering investor behavior by reducing the friction between digital wallets and traditional stock portfolios.
Overview: Key Metrics at a Glance
- Asset Coverage → 10,000+ U.S. stocks and ETFs now available → Users gain exposure to global equities without separate brokerage accounts [1].
- Settlement Currency → Trades settled exclusively in USDC stablecoin → Eliminates fiat conversion delays and reduces foreign exchange risk [3].
- Shareholder Rights → Full rights including cash dividends and voting → Users receive direct economic benefits identical to traditional brokerage clients [3].
- Trading Sessions → Pre-market, regular, and after-hours supported → Enables continuous market access across all U.S. trading windows [3].
- Brokerage Execution → Trades executed by U.S.-licensed broker → Ensures regulatory compliance and custodial security for equity holdings [3].
- Transfer Capability → Seamless transfer of existing stock holdings allowed → Users can migrate portfolios from external brokers directly to Bitget [3].
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Direct Access to US Equities: The “Bitget Stocks” Launch
The core of Bitget’s expansion is the introduction of its “Bitget Stocks” product, a direct-trading service that moves beyond the tokenized asset model previously dominant in the crypto space [3]. Unlike tokenized stocks, which only mimic price exposure, this new service allows users to purchase real, underlying equity assets [3]. The platform covers major U.S. companies such as SpaceX, Tesla, and NVIDIA, alongside a broad range of ETFs [1]. Investments can start with fractional shares as small as 0.0001, lowering the barrier to entry for retail investors who may not meet minimum deposit requirements at traditional brokerages [1].
The execution mechanism relies on a partnership with a U.S.-licensed broker, which ensures that the trade is legally settled and the user holds the actual asset [3]. This structural difference is critical for regulatory compliance, as it distinguishes Bitget’s offering from unregistered securities distribution. By integrating this service with its existing crypto spot and futures markets, Bitget creates a unified trading environment where users can hold USDC, Bitcoin, and U.S. equities in one interface [5].
Expansion of Tokenized Assets via Ondo Finance
While the direct access service targets real equity ownership, Bitget simultaneously expanded its tokenized asset offerings, listing 98 new tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs via Ondo Finance on the BNB Chain [2]. These tokenized assets operate on the BNB Chain, allowing users to trade exposure to traditional markets using crypto-native infrastructure while maintaining liquidity within the decentralized ecosystem [2].
This dual-track approach-direct real equity and tokenized synthetic exposure-allows Bitget to cater to different user needs. Direct access is preferred for investors seeking long-term holding and dividend rights, while tokenized assets serve traders requiring rapid entry and exit or those operating solely within DeFi protocols [2]. The addition of index ETFs such as SPYon, IVVon, and QQQon, alongside commodity-linked instruments like IAUon (gold) and SLVon (silver), further diversifies the platform’s spot market [5].
| Feature | Direct Access (Bitget Stocks) | Tokenized Assets (Ondo/BNB) |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Type | Real underlying equity | Synthetic tokenized representation |
| Settlement | USDC (Stablecoin) | Various crypto assets on BNB Chain |
| Rights | Full dividends & voting | Price exposure only |
| Execution | U.S.-licensed broker | Smart contract on BNB Chain |
| Use Case | Long-term holding & dividends | High-frequency trading & DeFi |
Market Structure and Competitive Implications
Bitget’s expansion signals a structural shift in the crypto market, where exchanges are increasingly evolving into multi-asset wealth platforms rather than pure cryptocurrency trading venues. Analysts note that this trend reduces the fragmentation investors previously faced, requiring separate accounts for crypto, stocks, and funds [5]. By enabling users to trade both crypto and traditional market exposures around the clock within a single USDT-based account, Bitset enhances capital efficiency [5].
This development places competitive pressure on other major exchanges, such as Binance and Coinbase, which have also been exploring similar TradFi integrations. Bitget’s specific focus on full shareholder rights and direct stablecoin settlement creates a distinct value proposition for retail investors who prioritize simplicity and regulatory safety [3]. The ability to transfer existing stock holdings from external brokerage platforms directly into Bitget further enhances user retention, as it removes the friction of closing and reopening positions [3].
Regulatory Risks and Uncertainties
Despite the operational benefits, the integration of direct U.S. stock trading by a crypto exchange introduces significant regulatory complexities. The product relies on a U.S.-licensed broker, but the exchange itself operates globally, potentially subjecting it to conflicting jurisdictional requirements regarding securities distribution [3]. Uncertainty remains regarding how regulators in non-U.S. jurisdictions will classify these direct equity offerings, particularly if they are deemed unregistered securities sales.
Furthermore, the reliance on stablecoins (USDC) for settlement introduces a risk vector tied to the stability and regulatory compliance of the underlying fiat reserves. If USDC faces a devaluation event or regulatory freeze, users’ ability to access or trade their equity holdings could be impaired [1]. Market participants view these risks as manageable but non-trivial, especially given the heightened scrutiny on crypto-TradFi bridges in 2026 [2].
Long-Term Outlook
The launch of “Bitget Stocks” and the expansion of tokenized assets suggest a long-term trajectory where crypto exchanges become primary gateways for global asset allocation. Over the next 12 to 36 months, this model could accelerate the adoption of stablecoins as a primary settlement layer for traditional equities, potentially reducing reliance on legacy banking rails [3]. However, the success of this model will depend heavily on regulatory clarity and the continued stability of the underlying stablecoin infrastructure. As Bitget deepens its collaboration with Ondo Finance and expands its U.S. equity coverage, the platform aims to solidify its position as a leader in the universal exchange (UEX) model, offering a comprehensive solution for modern asset management [4].
Sources
- https://www.bitget.com/support/articles/12560603886230
- https://cryptonews.net/news/market/32250363/
- https://www.panewslab.com/en/articles/019eed87-d070-70d0-8a94-b64aea422ae2
- https://www.bitget.com/news/detail/12560605305851
- https://www.mexc.com/news/947903
- https://www.facebook.com/BitgetGlobalOfficial/videos/bitget-stock-20-is-upgraded-you-can-now-trade-10000-us-stocks-and-etfs-on-bitget/1001473265600858/
- https://ffnews.com/newsarticle/cryptocurrency/bitget-rolls-out-trading-in-u-s-stocks-and-etfs-with-usdt-based-dividend-payouts/
- https://www.bitget.com/academy/where-to-trade-us-stocks-and-crypto-in-one-account-bitget-2026-guide
