BitMEX is stepping outside the crypto-only world by launching a new product called Equity Perps. These are special types of trading contracts that let users get 24/7 exposure to big U.S. stocks and indexes like Apple, Tesla, Nvidia, the S&P 500, and Nasdaq—using crypto as collateral. Unlike traditional stock markets that operate only during business hours, these contracts allow round-the-clock trading with high leverage, similar to how crypto perpetual swaps work.

**Growing Interest in Onchain Stocks**

There’s a growing demand for accessing traditional assets like stocks directly through blockchain. For example, Bitget recently revealed that trading of tokenized stocks on its platform has crossed $1 billion in volume. Interestingly, 95% of that activity happened in December, thanks to rising interest in gold and silver-linked products as those metals hit all-time highs in traditional markets.

Bitget’s CEO, Gracy Chen, explained that this surge was linked to excitement around U.S. tech stocks and AI developments, which created a strong appetite for active trading.

Other platforms are also making moves in this direction. Kraken’s xStocks has already passed $10 billion in total trading volume across centralized and decentralized exchanges. Meanwhile, Coinbase is adding support for stocks, prediction markets, and tokenized assets. This shift suggests that stocks, ETFs, and commodities could soon trade more like cryptocurrencies—fast, liquid, and always available.

**Designed for Crypto Traders and the Next Generation**

BitMEX is aiming its new Equity Perps at younger traders who prefer tech-savvy investment options. Recent data shows Gen Z investors in the U.S. are less likely to buy traditional individual stocks and more interested in speculative assets like crypto.

BitMEX CEO Stephan Lutz said that younger traders want flexibility and control over their investments. Equity Perps let them trade major U.S. stocks with leverage while keeping their crypto holdings intact—since they can use crypto as collateral instead of cashing out.

This product is built for both experienced crypto derivatives traders and retail investors who may not have easy access to U.S. stock markets or who live in different time zones from Wall Street.

**Navigating Regulatory Challenges**

Equity Perps are offered through a Panamanian entity and come with features like 2.5 basis point maker rebates, zero funding rates when prices are stable, and support for multiple types of crypto collateral including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP, and stablecoins.

However, trading tokenized stocks and equity-based contracts still lives in a regulatory gray area. Authorities in the U.S. and Europe have raised concerns about investor protections, ownership rights, and how these new products fit into current securities laws.

BitMEX says it’s committed to following legal rules and emphasizes that Equity Perps are cash-settled—meaning traders don’t actually own the stock—making them simpler than buying tokenized shares.

Bitget’s Chen added that different countries have different rules, but sees this as part of the growing pains of a fast-evolving market that’s blending crypto with traditional finance.

**Key Takeaways:**
– BitMEX launches Equity Perps for 24/7 leveraged stock trading using crypto as collateral.
– Tokenized stock trading is booming, with Bitget and Kraken seeing billions in volume.
– Younger investors prefer flexible trading with high-tech tools.
– Equity Perps cater to global traders who want access to U.S. equities without selling crypto.
– Regulatory issues remain unclear, but platforms are working within legal frameworks.