Coinbase launches tokenized shares on Base network

Coinbase has launched tokenised shares on the Base network. The tokens are now live under the B20 standard and give users access to shares of companies such as Apple and NVIDIA via the blockchain. Each token represents a one-to-one real share held by a regulated custodian. The shares are available around the clock and can be used within Base’s DeFi ecosystem.

In brief:

• Coinbase brings tokenised shares live on the Base network via the B20 standard
• Tokens are backed 1:1 by real shares, managed by regulated broker Alpaca
• Users can store the shares in their own wallets and use them within Base DeFi

Shares on the blockchain via Base

Base reports that the tokenised shares are continuously available, also outside regular stock market trading. The tokens are issued by Coinbase and fall under the B20 standard, a technical specification for representing securities on the blockchain.

The underlying shares are managed by Alpaca, a regulated broker and custodian. This ensures that one-to-one coverage remains guaranteed. Eligible users can store the tokens in their own wallet and thus have direct control over their shares.

DeFi applications for traditional shares

In addition to storing them in a personal wallet, the tokenised shares can be used within DeFi applications on Base. This makes it possible to deploy shares for trading, lending and other financial applications on the blockchain, without the intervention of a traditional broker.

Base has indicated that more shares will be added. Which companies will follow and when has not yet been announced.