On January 19, 2026 at 8:28 p.m. EST, the Associated Press reported that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), owned by Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), is developing a new digital trading platform to enable round-the-clock trading of tokenized securities. This initiative represents a major departure from the traditional U.S. equity trading hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, offering continuous access for investors and issuers worldwide.
The proposed platform will function as a separate venue from the NYSE’s core market but will remain subject to the same regulatory standards, broker-dealer access requirements and market surveillance protocols. Trades executed on the tokenized venue will settle on-chain, bypassing the standard T+1 settlement cycle. Instant settlement is made possible through the use of tokenized capital and stablecoins, providing dollar-denominated order sizing and immediate post-trade finality.
ICE has engaged major global custodians and banks, including Citigroup and Bank of New York Mellon, to facilitate tokenized deposits and collateral management across its six international clearinghouses. These partnerships aim to ensure that clearing members can manage margin requirements and liquidity around the clock, regardless of traditional banking hours. The integration of tokenized deposits is designed to streamline liquidity flows and reduce operational risk associated with cross-border transactions.
Key features of the platform include fractional share trading, enabling retail and institutional investors to purchase portions of expensive equities; authorizations for qualified broker-dealers to access the venue on a non-discriminatory basis; and interoperability with multiple blockchain networks for settlement and custody. The platform’s architecture combines NYSE’s Pillar matching engine with blockchain-based post-trade infrastructure, supporting a multi-chain environment that can evolve with emerging standards.
Market analysts view the NYSE’s move as a strategic response to growing competition from digital native exchanges and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. By offering 24/7 trading and settlement, the NYSE seeks to modernize capital markets and capture demand for continuous liquidity. The tokenized venue could also attract new issuers and enhance access to private markets by tokenizing shares of private companies and alternative assets.
Regulatory approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) remains a critical milestone. ICE has indicated its willingness to work closely with regulators to address concerns related to market integrity, custody standards and investor protections. Legal experts note that the SEC’s eventual guidance on tokenized securities will set important precedents for other legacy exchanges and fintech firms considering similar ventures.
A successful launch would position the NYSE at the forefront of capital markets digitization, aligning with broader trends toward asset tokenization, blockchain adoption and decentralized trading. However, execution risks include technological integration challenges, regulatory hurdles and the need to ensure robust cyber-security measures. Should the platform gain traction, it could redefine market expectations for trading hours, settlement speed and market access in the digital age.
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