Crypto Firms Force Traditional Exchanges to Go 24/7

The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is set to launch a new separate platform for trading that will operate 24/7, starting in the first half of 2027. The move comes as traditional exchanges face increasing pressure from crypto platforms like Coinbase and Kraken, which offer round-the-clock stock trading via tokenized equities.

The LSE's decision to expand its trading hours is aimed at reinforcing London's position as a global financial hub, according to Julia Hoggett, the exchange's chief executive. She stated that retail investors are increasingly used to trading whenever they want, not just during traditional market hours.

Nasdaq, Cboe Global Markets, and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) also plan to launch extended trading or 24/7 access by the end of 2026. The shift towards round-the-clock trading is driven by growing demand from emerging markets for exposure to stock markets, with crypto platforms poised to drive over $2 trillion in new capital flows in the next five years.

In related news, tokenized stocks have hit a monthly transfer volume of $8 billion, up 31% in the past 30 days. The number of holders has also increased by 75%, reaching 672,000, according to RWA data.