Key Highlights
- Coinbase will launch prediction markets and in-house tokenized stocks on December 17.
- The rollout comes amid rising demand, with tokenized equity trading up 32% to $1.45B this month.
- The move positions Coinbase to compete with Gemini, Robinhood, Kraken, and others expanding into prediction markets.
Coinbase Global Inc., the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, is set to significantly expand its trading platform. The exchange is preparing to unveil two highly anticipated products, prediction markets and tokenized stock trading, on December 17, 2025.
The company is expected to reveal the details during a livestreamed showcase event next week, according to Bloomberg reports.
For months, Coinbase has signaled its ambition to broaden its services beyond traditional cryptocurrencies. Screenshots of early interfaces for prediction markets and equity token trading have circulated online, and insiders say the exchange has been building these features in‑house rather than relying on third‑party partners.
The prediction markets will allow users to speculate on the outcomes of real‑world events, such as elections, sports results, or economic indicators.
Unlike standard financial products, these markets let traders make bets on future scenarios, a model that has gained popularity in the crypto space for its capacity to reflect collective expectations and sentiment.
Meanwhile, tokenized stocks represent traditional equities via blockchain tokens, offering a digital version of share trading that could work around conventional market hours.
Why this matters now
The simultaneous launch of these products comes at a time of heightened demand for both innovations. Tokenized equity trading has seen strong growth this year, with the monthly transfer volume of blockchain‑linked stocks rising sharply as investor interest broadens.
This trend highlights a shift among digital asset traders seeking assets that blend characteristics of traditional markets with advantages of blockchain technology, such as extended trading hours and lower settlement friction.
At the same time, interest in prediction markets has surged across the crypto sector. Other platforms, including Gemini’s affiliate, recently secured regulatory approval from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to operate regulated prediction markets, signaling increasing regulatory acceptance of event‑based trading models.
Background and industry competition
Coinbase’s move follows broader industry momentum. Exchanges like Kraken, Robinhood, and Crypto.com have also been exploring or rolling out similar offerings.
For example, Kraken has already expanded into tokenized equity trading for non‑U.S. users, and Robinhood earlier introduced elements of prediction products in partnership with Susquehanna.
These developments reflect a larger trend in crypto and finance. In line with the trend, Coinbase has also shared that it aims to become an “everything app” with an ecosystem that provides a wider suite of services, from traditional crypto trading to derivatives, equities, and now prediction markets.
Coinbase’s expansion also speaks to strategic responses to flat or volatile crypto markets, as firms seek new revenue streams and user engagement opportunities through innovative financial products.
Risks and considerations
Although there is increasingly popular interest, prediction markets have attracted criticism regarding their similarity to wagering, and tokenized stocks have to deal with the regulatory issues as they tend to deal with securities laws.
Industry observers note that broader adoption will depend on how clearly exchanges comply with U.S. regulatory frameworks while balancing innovation with investor protection.
Reuters
As Coinbase prepares for its December 17 announcement, traders and investors alike are watching closely. If executed successfully, these new features could reshape how digital platforms bridge mainstream finance with blockchain‑based trading.
Also Read: Prediction Markets Sparks Debate Over Gambling and Insider Trading
