Coinbase to Launch Prediction Markets, Tokenized Stocks Dec. 17

Coinbase, the leading U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, plans to launch prediction markets and tokenized stocks on December 17 through a livestream event, marking a significant expansion into rapidly growing segments of digital finance.

The announcement, confirmed by company officials, comes after weeks of speculation fueled by leaked screenshots on social media showing interfaces for prediction tools and tokenized equity trading within the Coinbase app. Unlike many competitors, Coinbase will issue the tokenized stocks in-house, handling design, compliance, and settlement processes internally to enhance control and user experience. This vertical integration aligns with the exchange's broader strategy to evolve into a comprehensive platform for digital assets, combining cryptocurrency trading with synthetic markets and on-chain financial products.

Prediction markets enable users to trade on the outcomes of real-world events, such as elections, sports results, economic indicators, and corporate developments, through binary yes-or-no contracts. These platforms have surged in popularity over the past year, reaching an estimated market value exceeding $10 billion, driven by reduced...