Crypto exchange giant Binance enters US stock, ETF trading

Crypto exchange giant Binance is rolling out trading into the US stock market now.

Binance said on Monday it has launched stock and exchange-traded fund or ETF trading for customers on its platform, expanding ‌beyond digital assets into traditional financial markets.

The platform said that users will have access to more than 7,000 U.S. stocks and exchange-traded funds on its app, in addition to crypto tokens.

Customers will also be able to buy fractional shares, allowing them to invest in portions of stocks with as little as $5, the crypto firm added.

Binance joins a growing number of platforms that offer customers access to both digital assets and traditional investments, including rival exchange Coinbase and retail-focused trading platform Robinhood.

Extended-hours trading has gained popularity as brokerages and exchanges seek to meet demand for access to U.S. markets beyond traditional trading sessions.

The world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume said it will also offer 24/5 trading, allowing customers to trade U.S. stocks and ETFs around the clock on weekdays.

The move comes as the lines between cryptocurrency markets and traditional finance continue to blur.

The convergence has accelerated as companies seek to offer customers ‌a wider range of financial services through a single platform.