BitMEX is making a major move beyond crypto-native markets by launching 24/7 Equity Perpetuals, a new derivatives product that allows traders to gain continuous exposure to major U.S. stocks and indexes using crypto as collateral. The rollout comes as exchanges across the industry race to bring equities onchain and meet growing demand for always-on financial markets.
The new offering gives users access to companies like Apple, Tesla, Nvidia, as well as benchmarks such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, without being restricted by traditional market hours. Like crypto perpetual swaps, these contracts never expire and rely on funding rates rather than settlement dates, bringing familiar crypto mechanics to equity exposure.
Rising Demand for Onchain Equities
Interest in tokenized stocks and equity-linked products has surged over the past year. Bitget recently reported more than $1 billion in cumulative spot trading volume for tokenized stocks, with the vast majority of that activity occurring in December alone. The spike was fueled by renewed enthusiasm around U.S. tech equities and strong demand for tokenized commodities such as gold and silver.
Other major players are seeing similar traction. Kraken’s xStocks products have surpassed $10 billion in combined trading volume across centralized and decentralized platforms, while Coinbase has announced plans to integrate stocks, prediction markets, and tokenized assets directly into its ecosystem.
Industry leaders see this trend as more than a short-term experiment. According to Bitget CEO Gracy Chen, the growth validates genuine user demand for blockchain-based access to traditional assets, signaling that tokenized equities are evolving into a core market layer rather than a niche feature.
Designed for Crypto-Native and Retail Traders
BitMEX is positioning Equity Perps squarely at crypto-savvy traders and younger retail investors who want flexibility, leverage, and round-the-clock access. Recent data shows Gen Z investors are significantly less likely than older generations to own traditional stocks, instead favoring crypto and tech-driven assets.
BitMEX CEO Stephan Lutz says the new product reflects how modern traders want to invest—on their own terms, across time zones, and without liquidating existing crypto holdings. By allowing users to post assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, or stablecoins as collateral, Equity Perps let traders maintain crypto exposure while accessing equity markets.
The contracts are offered through a Panamanian entity and feature competitive incentives, including maker rebates and a neutral funding rate when prices stay close to fair value. Because the products are cash-settled rather than tied to ownership of real shares, BitMEX argues they avoid some of the structural and custody challenges associated with spot tokenized stocks.
Still, the rapid expansion of tokenized equities and equity-linked derivatives continues to sit in a regulatory gray area, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. Regulators have raised concerns around investor protection, ownership rights, and how securities laws apply to blockchain-based products. Both BitMEX and Bitget acknowledge that regulatory approaches vary by jurisdiction and say compliance remains a priority as the market matures.
As crypto and traditional finance continue to converge, BitMEX’s move into 24/7 equity perpetuals highlights a broader shift: global markets are becoming faster, more accessible, and increasingly shaped by crypto-native innovation.
