Bitget is expanding its operations in traditional financial markets by introducing a feature that allows users to purchase actual U.S. stocks using cryptocurrencies rather than just derivatives. Dubbed Stock+, this new offering enables users to convert digital assets such as the USDC stablecoin into real shares, which are managed through licensed brokers.
### How Stock+ Functions
According to Bitget, Stock+ is part of its “Stocks 2.0” suite, which supports both full and fractional shares of U.S. companies. Users start by funding their accounts with cryptocurrencies; these funds are converted into Circle’s USDC stablecoin before stock orders are executed. This structure allows users to buy both full and fractional shares of U.S. stocks using their digital assets.
To illustrate the appeal of this service, Bitget contrasts two hypothetical users: one accustomed to onchain transactions who values rapid and flexible access, and another with extensive experience in traditional stock trading, who might be less enthusiastic about waiting for wired transactions to clear. By facilitating instant transactions directly through crypto, Bitget aims to attract those who prefer the speed and efficiency of digital finance.
Stock+ users maintain direct economic ownership of the stocks they purchase, entitling them to cash dividends and stock split adjustments. These payments are processed within their Bitget accounts. However, while users do own the stocks, Bitget requires that certain shareholder rights—such as voting and dividend collection—be exercised on its platform, given that trades are settled through partner brokers.
### Infrastructure and Brokerage Partnerships
Trades executed through Stock+ are processed by U.S.-licensed firms like RQD Clearing and Atomic Vaults Securities, which send orders to major venues like Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange, as well as approved market makers. Additionally, Bitget allows for the transfer of existing U.S. stock holdings from select brokers to its platform, enabling users to consolidate their portfolios. Although outbound transfers are not yet available, the company has indicated that this feature will be introduced in the future.
### Accessibility and Regulatory Landscape
Bitget positions itself as a “Universal Exchange,” aspiring to integrate crypto, stocks, and other asset classes under one account. The launch of Stock+ signifies a departure from the exchange’s previous offerings, which included stock-linked perpetual futures that provided price exposure without ownership or dividend payments. This new feature allows certain users to transition from synthetic instruments to actual equities while remaining within a crypto-centric environment.
However, access to Stock+ is not universal; Bitget’s announcement specifies a wide range of excluded regions, including the United Kingdom, EU nations, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea. Users from countries like India, Kenya, and Vietnam are also restricted from accessing the service, highlighting the various regulatory and licensing challenges that Bitget faces. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve and exchanges strive to merge digital and traditional assets, Stock+ distinguishes Bitget as a platform offering genuine U.S. stock ownership using stablecoins, even as regulatory frameworks remain in flux.
