Binance is rapidly evolving from a cryptocurrency exchange into a comprehensive trading platform that includes stocks and real-world assets (RWA). Co-founder and co-CEO He Yi said in a July 14, 2026 video interview with Yonhap News that the exchange is expanding stock and ETF trading to become a blockchain-based financial platform, responding to shifting market conditions.
Stock trading on Binance: derivatives, not spot
Last month, Binance began supporting trading of over 7,000 U.S. stocks and ETFs, including major South Korean names like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. He Yi noted that SK Hynix quickly became one of Binance's top-traded assets, ranking just below Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, the stock offerings are not spot trades — they are perpetual futures contracts linked to stock prices, with no expiry date. He explained that while the crypto market has cooled, the stock market has remained strong, and offering large-cap blue chips meets user demand.
24/7 access and low entry barriers
Binance's key edge over traditional exchanges is round-the-clock trading, since crypto markets never close. Users can also borrow stablecoins or BNB against blockchain-based assets. The platform allows trading of major stocks with as little as $5, lowering the barrier for retail investors. This contrasts with traditional finance, which has focused on large clients and mature markets.
Regulatory hurdles and AI plans
Regulation remains a major challenge. Binance failed to secure a MiCA license under the EU's crypto regulatory framework, restricting operations in parts of Europe. He Yi said the company will invest more resources in the European market to build trust with regulators. Meanwhile, Binance plans to expand its use of AI beyond security and compliance into investment support, helping users make more informed decisions before trading.
Super app ambitions
With 320 million users, Binance aims to grow to at least 1.5 billion within the next decade, positioning itself as a financial super app that blurs the lines between crypto, stocks, and real-world assets. As regulatory scrutiny tightens globally, the platform's ability to operate within legal frameworks may ultimately determine its competitiveness.