IMF sees tokenized-stock demand but flags thin liquidity

The IMF has published research finding genuine demand for tokenized stocks, with investors using blockchain-based shares for smaller and after-hours trades. However, the fund cautions that liquidity, legal rules and settlement systems have not caught up with the market's growth, leaving the asset class volatile and illiquid.

The findings land as the SEC opens a regulated pathway for tokenized U.S. stock venues and exchanges including OKX, ICE and Securitize build out onchain equities, adding an institutional counterpoint to the industry's rollout push.