Robinhood has actually released a public testnet for Robinhood Chain, its brand-new Ethereum layer‑2 network developed utilizing Arbitrum innovation that intends to bring tokenized real‑world and digital properties onchain.
According to a release shown Cointelegraph, the testnet, which is now live for designers, uses network gain access to points, documents at docs.chain.robinhood.com, compatibility with basic Ethereum advancement tools and early combinations from facilities partners.
Robinhood states the chain is created for “financial‑grade” usage cases, consisting of 24/7 trading, smooth bridging, self‑custody, and decentralized items such as tokenized property platforms, providing markets, and continuous futures exchanges.
A mainnet launch is prepared for later on this year, with testnet-only properties such as stock‑style tokens and tighter combination with Robinhood Wallet amongst the functions anticipated in the coming months.
Johann Kerbrat, senior vice president and GM of Crypto and International at Robinhood, stated in the release that the testnet for Robinhood Chain prepared for “an environment that will specify the future of tokenized real-world properties,” and allow contractors to use decentralized financing (DeFi) liquidity within the Ethereum environment.
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Robinhood’s tokenization push
The launch marks a much deeper shift by Robinhood from just using crypto trading to running its own onchain facilities, following its choice to tokenize almost 500 United States stocks and exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) on Arbitrum as part of a more comprehensive real‑world property method.
Robinhood Chain likewise mirrors a more comprehensive pattern in which exchanges attempt to manage both the user‑facing user interface and the underlying onchain rails.
Coinbase, for instance, runs a regulated trading platform while likewise developing out its Base L2, and revealing the start of its rollout of tokenized equities in Dec. 2025.
Kraken is pursuing a comparable end‑to‑end play, running a worldwide crypto exchange while establishing Ink, its own Optimism‑based L2 network, together with xStocks tokenized equities.
Combined performance history
Robinhood has actually dealt with regulative and public criticism over system interruptions throughout durations of market tension and its dependence on payment for order circulation in equities, where market-making companies pay brokers to path client orders to them in exchange for refunds.
Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev stated in January that tokenized stocks might assist avoid trading freezes, thanks to the real-time settlement residential or commercial properties of blockchain innovation.
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