Luno launches tokenised blue-chip US stocks for South Africans

In a significant move towards financial inclusivity, leading crypto platform Luno has announced the launch of international tokenised stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that will be available for investment from early August 2025.

This groundbreaking offering allows South Africans to gain seamless access to over sixty of the world's most valuable US-listed companies and indices, including tech giants like Apple, Alphabet, and NVIDIA—all without the hassles of transferring funds offshore or waiting for US trading hours.

"Until now, access to global financial markets has been locked behind red tape and legacy systems," said Christo de Wit, country manager for South Africa at Luno.

"With tokenised stocks, we're offering South African investors easy access to global investments any time of the day or night."

This pioneering initiative not only positions Luno as a frontrunner in the realm of tokenised stocks but also highlights the company's commitment to transforming financial access for the African market. While international exchanges have begun to introduce similar products, Luno is the first to bring them to African investors, representing a significant milestone.

A breakthrough in financial access

Luno’s innovative solution addresses the barriers that investors in emerging markets often encounter. Traditional investment options can be mired in numerous fees, frustrating waiting periods, and intricate processes.

By offering tokenised stocks, Luno alleviates these challenges while ensuring security and adherence to regulatory standards.

Investors can conveniently purchase tokenised stocks directly in South African rands, eliminating the need for foreign currency conversions or incurring foreign exchange fees. Furthermore, instant settlement options mean there are no lock-in periods, ensuring that assets remain readily liquid.

With investments starting as low as R20, South Africans can now afford to buy fractional shares in leading global companies. For instance, instead of spending nearly R4 000 for a full Apple share, investors can opt for a fraction of that share, democratizing access to some of the world’s most sought-after equities.

"The introduction of tokenised stocks builds on Luno's mission to create a fairer, more inclusive financial system, one built for the modern African investor," added de Wit.

How tokenised stocks work

The stocks offered through Luno's platform are fully backed by actual shares held in regulated custody, thanks to the company’s strategic partnerships with global players such as Kraken's xStocks and Backed Finance.

This collaboration ensures that users benefit from a secure and trustworthy infrastructure.

Tokenised stocks act as digital representations of conventional shares, empowering investors to buy and sell portions of companies via blockchain technology.

"This represents a fundamental shift in how we think about investing," explained de Wit. "We're not just digitising old processes – we're reimagining what's possible when you combine improved technology with investor needs."

For now, the tokenised stocks will be exclusively available to customers in South Africa, with plans to expand the offering to Nigeria and other African countries in the near future.

BUSINESS REPORT