Binance is exploring ways to give users access to leading stocks in Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and Brazil, according to co-CEO Richard Teng. The move represents the exchange's continued expansion beyond cryptocurrency into traditional financial markets.
"A lot of users tell us: 'I want access to the top stocks in Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Brazil…'" Teng said. "So we're listening, and exploring how to expand stock access across more global markets."
Building a Diversified Trading Platform
Binance has already moved significantly beyond spot crypto trading. In 2026, the exchange introduced tokenized U.S. stocks, which surpassed $1 billion in assets under management in approximately four months, becoming the first tokenized equity product to reach that milestone.
The diversification strategy is described as a way to "weatherproof" the business as crypto prices remain below their 2025 peaks, creating pressure on transaction-based exchange revenues.
Industry-Wide Trend
Binance is not alone in this direction. Coinbase has added stocks, perpetual futures, and prediction markets as part of its "everything exchange" strategy. OKX is developing tokenized U.S. equities through a partnership with Intercontinental Exchange, the owner of the New York Stock Exchange.
Financial Access Through Tokenization
Teng argues that tokenization and round-the-clock trading could provide investors outside major financial centers easier access to international equities, particularly in emerging markets where brokerage access remains limited.
According to a 2025 World Bank report, approximately 1.3 billion adults remain without formal bank accounts. Crypto platforms already serve many users for savings, payments, and cross-border transfers, and adding equities could expand their role in global finance.
AI-Powered Trading
Binance has launched Binance AI Pro, an AI-powered trading assistant designed to automate market analysis, strategy execution, and position management. Teng expects AI agents to play a larger role as investors become more comfortable delegating decisions within predefined limits.
Crypto exchanges have shifted from competing primarily on coins and fees to competing over who can offer the widest financial universe from a single account. If Binance adds major Asian and Latin American equities, the competition will extend far beyond cryptocurrency.
