Robinhood Launches AI-Native Ethereum Layer-2 Network and Tokenized Stock Trading
Robinhood has launched the public mainnet of its Ethereum layer-2 network named Robinhood Chain, designed to integrate AI-based trading with traditional finance. According to Decrypt, the network aims to enhance liquidity through partnerships and offers tokenized stock trading for select users outside the U.S.
On July 1, 2026, Robinhood initiated the public mainnet for its Arbitrum-powered Ethereum layer-2 network, called Robinhood Chain. This network serves to create a connection between the company's traditional financial services and its cryptocurrency offerings. Key integrations at launch include collaborations with BitGo, Chainlink, Uniswap, and Pleiades, aimed at providing automated market-making solutions and prop trading capabilities.
Robinhood describes the network as "AI-native," indicating that it supports trading functionalities enabled by artificial intelligence. "Decentralized finance unlocks possibilities beyond what traditional finance can offer, but historically, it has required technical expertise to navigate," stated Johann Kerbrat, Robinhood's Senior Vice President and General Manager of Crypto and International. He emphasized that the aim is to merge strengths from both decentralized finance (DeFi) and conventional finance to broaden financial access globally.
A significant feature of the Robinhood Chain is its ability to facilitate stock tokens—tokenized representations of shares of major companies like Nvidia and Apple. This allows users from eligible jurisdictions (excluding the U.S.) to use these assets in lending pools and as collateral within DeFi ecosystems. Additionally, Robinhood is expanding its offerings within its wallet by enabling perpetual trading directly through its platform.
Moreover, Robinhood is positioning to broaden its geographical reach by potentially introducing services to Canadian and Singaporean users, alongside a future launch in the U.K. The network's launch has positively influenced Robinhood's stock, with shares reportedly up over 8% on the day of the announcement and nearly 20% over the previous month.
Summary based on original reporting by Logan Hitchcock at Decrypt, originally published Jul 1, 2026. SolanaWire does not republish source content.
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