Archive · 19 Jan 2026
ICE Seeks Approval for Blockchain-Based US Equity Trading
Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE), the company that owns the New York Stock Exchange, wants to create a new platform using blockchain technology.
This platform would allow people to trade stocks and ETFs 24/7, settle trades instantly, and even trade fractions of shares.
It would also use stablecoins for funding.
The goal is to make trading easier and more efficient.
If approved by regulators, this could be a big step in bringing blockchain technology into mainstream stock trading.
Other exchanges, like Nasdaq, are also working on similar plans to offer round-the-clock trading.
ICE plans to launch a blockchain-enabled platform for trading and settling tokenized securities, subject to regulatory approval.
The platform would support 24/7 trading of US-listed equities and ETFs with instant settlement and fractional share trading.
Tokenized shareholders would retain the same economic and governance rights as conventional investors.
ICE is working with major banks like BNY and Citi to enable tokenized deposits across its clearinghouses.
The initiative is part of ICE's broader digital strategy to modernize settlement processes and reduce operational bottlenecks.
- Who
- Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE), parent company of the New York Stock Exchange
- What
- Plans to launch a blockchain-enabled platform for trading and on-chain settlement of tokenized securities
- When
- Pending regulatory approval
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To address long-standing frictions in equity markets and meet investor demand for near-continuous trading
- Company
- Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)
- Platform Features
- Round-the-clock trading, instant settlement, fractional share trading, stablecoin-based funding
- Regulatory Status
- Subject to approval
- Market Impact
- Potential integration of blockchain into mainstream US equity markets
- Competition
- Nasdaq also plans to facilitate nearly round-the-clock trading