Deep Dive
1. Layer 2 Blockchain Development (June 2025)
Overview: Robinhood is developing its own Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain using Arbitrum’s Orbit stack, aiming to migrate tokenized stocks and ETFs to this chain by 2026.
The chain will support self-custody, 24/7 trading, and dividend distributions. It uses a modified ERC-20 standard with compliance checks for regulated asset transfers.
What this means: This is bullish for HOOD because it positions Robinhood to control the full stack for tokenized assets, potentially reducing reliance on third-party chains. However, migration risks and regulatory hurdles for a proprietary chain remain unresolved.
(Arbitrum)
2. Tokenized Stocks on Arbitrum (June 2025)
Overview: Robinhood launched 200+ tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs on Arbitrum One, enabling EU users to trade equities 24/5 via blockchain.
The tokens are backed 1:1 by Robinhood’s special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) and include dividend payouts. Initial technical docs show integration with MetaMask and Ledger.
What this means: This is neutral-to-bullish for HOOD as it expands Robinhood’s product suite, but regulatory scrutiny (e.g., Lithuania’s central bank inquiry) and OpenAI’s disavowal of its token highlight compliance risks.
(The Defiant)
3. Crypto Staking Infrastructure (June 2025)
Overview: Code commits reveal upgrades to support Ethereum and Solana staking for U.S. customers, including reward calculation modules and withdrawal security protocols.
The system auto-compounds rewards and deducts a 25% fee starting October 2025. Backend integrates with Chainlink oracles for real-time APY updates.
What this means: This is bullish for HOOD as staking could boost user retention, though the high fee (vs. Coinbase’s 25-35%) may limit adoption compared to competitors.
(Daily Hodl)
Conclusion
Robinhood’s codebase is pivoting toward blockchain-native financial infrastructure, with Layer 2 development and tokenization at the core. While these updates enhance its ecosystem, regulatory clarity and user adoption of tokenized equities will determine long-term success.
Could Robinhood’s proprietary chain become a benchmark for TradFi-on-blockchain adoption?