Say goodbye to the 4 p.m. closing bell: Your stocks are becoming 24/7 digital cash

MarketWatch

by Jurica Dujmovic

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The traditional stock market with its 4 p.m. closing bell is becoming a relic of the past as tokenized equities—real shares of stock repackaged as blockchain tokens—are disrupting the financial system. These digital tokens allow investors to hold actual stock exposure while maintaining liquidity, potentially bypassing the need to sell shares. This shift could eliminate the intermediaries like brokers, custodians, and clearinghouses that have long underpinned revenue streams through margin loans, securities-based lending, and fees. Tokenized equities represent a significant evolution in how stocks are traded and held. By reissuing real shares as blockchain tokens, investors can now access liquidity without selling their assets, enabling 24/7 trading that isn’t bound by traditional market hours. Blockchain technology ensures greater transparency, security, and efficiency in transactions, reducing costs and delays associated with conventional systems. The rise of tokenized equities challenges the dominance of traditional brokerages, which have relied on intermediation to generate income. While some firms are adapting by developing their own digital platforms, smaller brokers may struggle to compete with the cheaper, faster services offered by blockchain-based alternatives. This shift could democratize investing, making it more accessible and efficient for individual investors while reshaping the broader financial ecosystem. For finance enthusiasts, this development matters as it signals a fundamental transformation in how stocks are traded and owned. Tokenized equities promise greater liquidity, transparency, and accessibility, potentially lowering barriers to entry for investors and disrupting outdated systems. As this technology matures, it could redefine the future of investing, offering a more seamless and efficient way to manage stock exposure.

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Originally published on MarketWatch on 2/19/2026