BitMEX Launches 24/7 Stock Perps with Crypto Collateral

BitMEX is rolling out 24/7 Equity Perps that use crypto as collateral for exposure to major US stocks and indices. This strategic pivot moves the exchange into the tokenized equities market, a sector currently seeing intense competition.

The launch comes as exchanges from Bitget to Kraken race to bring equities onchain. The industry-wide push aims to merge the flexibility of cryptocurrency trading with the stability of traditional stock markets, offering users continuous access to equity derivatives without the constraints of standard market hours.

BitMEX has officially announced its entry into the tokenized equities space with the introduction of 24/7 Equity Perps. This new product allows users to gain exposure to major US stocks and indices using their existing cryptocurrency holdings as collateral. By doing so, the exchange is effectively bridging the liquidity of the crypto markets with the performance of traditional equity markets.

The core mechanism of the product involves perpetual contracts that track the value of underlying stock assets. Unlike traditional stock trading, which operates during specific market hours, these Equity Perps are designed to function continuously. This aligns with the operational tempo of the crypto ecosystem, ensuring that traders can manage their positions at any time, regardless of traditional Wall Street schedules.

This move represents a significant evolution for BitMEX, historically known for its crypto-derivatives focus. By expanding into equity-based products, the platform is diversifying its offerings and adapting to the growing demand for onchain financial instruments that provide more than just currency speculation.

The launch of BitMEX's Equity Perps does not happen in a vacuum. The broader market is currently witnessing a fierce race among leading exchanges to tokenize real-world assets (RWAs), specifically equities. The source material explicitly notes that exchanges ranging from Bitget to Kraken are actively working to bring equities onchain.

This competitive pressure suggests that the industry is moving toward a hybrid financial model. Major players are recognizing the need to offer services that cater to both crypto-native users and those looking to transition traditional capital into blockchain environments. The race to bring equities onchain is characterized by several key trends:

• The integration of collateralized lending using digital assets.
• The demand for 24/7 market access for traditional assets.
• The tokenization of high-liquidity assets like US stocks and indices.

As more exchanges enter this arena, the competition will likely drive innovation in user experience, fee structures, and the variety of assets available for onchain trading. BitMEX's entry adds significant weight to this trend, signaling that established derivatives platforms are serious about capturing market share in the tokenized stock sector.

At the heart of BitMEX's new offering is the use of crypto as collateral. This mechanism allows traders to utilize their existing digital asset portfolios to open positions in equity markets without needing to liquidate their crypto holdings or transfer fiat currency. It provides a seamless flow of capital between the two asset classes.

The 24/7 Equity Perps function similarly to crypto perpetual futures but are tethered to the value of real-world stocks. This structure offers several advantages to the modern trader:

• Capital Efficiency: Assets that might otherwise sit idle can be used to secure positions in equity markets.
• Continuous Hedging: Traders can hedge their crypto portfolios against market volatility using equity positions at any hour.
• Accessibility: It lowers the barrier for crypto holders to access traditional markets.

However, trading these products also involves understanding the specific risks associated with leverage and margin requirements in a derivatives context. The expansion into equities brings the volatility of the stock market into the crypto trading environment, requiring robust risk management strategies from participants.

The rollout of BitMEX's 24/7 Equity Perps is a strong indicator of where the financial sector is heading. The convergence of DeFi (Decentralized Finance) and TradFi (Traditional Finance) is accelerating, with tokenization serving as the primary bridge. By allowing crypto collateral to back equity exposure, platforms are creating a unified liquidity layer.

As the race to bring equities onchain intensifies, we can expect further developments in regulatory frameworks, liquidity depth, and asset variety. The participation of major entities like Bitget and Kraken alongside BitMEX validates the demand for these hybrid products. Ultimately, this trend points toward a future where the distinction between holding a cryptocurrency and holding a stock becomes increasingly blurred, facilitated by blockchain technology that operates around the clock.