Why a trading app built its own blockchain. Robinhood’s Johann Kerbrat

Robinhood already lets millions of people trade stocks and crypto, so why build its own blockchain? Robinhood Chain is the answer: a chain Robinhood controls end to end, launched July 1, that has since crossed $1.6 billion in total value locked, with most major exchanges and wallets integrated by August. Owning the chain lets Robinhood set compliance rules for every jurisdiction it launches in, keep gas fees low, and bring tokenized stocks onchain with 24/7 trading.

Johann Kerbrat, SVP and General Manager of Crypto at Robinhood, breaks down how Robinhood keeps fees high enough to stop spam but low enough for trading (around 30 cents at the very max today), why it covers gas fees for Robinhood Wallet users, and why meme coins bring the liquidity and retail users that pull market makers and institutions onto a new chain. He also explains how tokenized stocks are being adopted for 24/7 trading, how Robinhood is tackling liquidity for stock tokens, when it partners versus builds in-house, and where the chain goes next as Robinhood expands internationally.

Watch the full video interview: https://youtu.be/x0cwQtj4Ls4

Robinhood: https://robinhood.com
Johann Kerbrat on X: https://x.com/JohannKerbrat

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction: Johann Kerbrat of Robinhood
1:16 The Launch and Success of Robinhood Chain
2:58 Why Robinhood Needed Its Own Chain
5:52 Managing Transaction Fees and Network Health
8:52 Balancing Meme Coins and Tokenized Stocks
13:46 Tokenized Stocks and 24/7 Trading
16:20 Solving Liquidity for Tokenized Stocks
21:14 Partnerships vs Building In-House
21:37 Robinhood’s International Expansion
24:12 What’s Next for Robinhood Chain

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This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial, investment or legal advice. Guest opinions are their own. Always do your own research.

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