Base has set its sights on tokenized stocks: a new development vector for the L2 network
The Layer 2 network Base is preparing to launch tokenized stocks with full 1:1 backing. This statement was made by project founder Jesse Pollak on July 21, continuing the strategic pivot previously announced on July 15 — from social products toward trading, payments, and AI agents. In essence, we are witnessing a shift from experiments with decentralized social networks to more mature financial instruments.
Why is this important for the market?
Tokenized stocks are digital assets backed by real securities in a 1:1 ratio. This is a bridge between traditional finance and DeFi, opening access to liquidity and 24/7 trading without intermediaries. For Base, as an L2 solution on Ethereum, integrating such instruments is a logical step toward expanding functionality and attracting institutional investors.
Pollak acknowledged that Base currently lags behind Robinhood Chain in the tokenized stocks segment within the EVM environment. However, he assured that the team is close to closing this gap, working closely with Coinbase. He described the launch as "imminent," indicating a high degree of infrastructure readiness.
From my perspective, this move is part of a broader trend: leading blockchain platforms are striving to carve out a niche in regulated financial products. If Base successfully implements its plans, it could become a catalyst for the mass adoption of tokenized assets on Ethereum L2, intensifying competition with projects like Polygon and Arbitrum, which are also actively developing the RWA segment.