Where to Trade Stocks: Top Platforms and Trends in 2025

"Where to trade stocks" is a question that has evolved dramatically in recent years, especially with the rise of tokenized assets and blockchain-based platforms. As of October 2025, investors have more choices than ever, from traditional brokerages to innovative exchanges like Bitget that offer both conventional and on-chain stock trading. This article explores the latest options, industry trends, and what you need to know to make informed decisions in the modern stock trading landscape.

How Stock Trading Platforms Are Changing in 2025

Stock trading is no longer limited to legacy brokerages or regional exchanges. The integration of blockchain technology and tokenization has opened new avenues for global investors. According to recent industry reports, the tokenized asset market is nearing $700 million in value, with platforms like Ondo contributing over $320 million in total value locked (TVL). This shift allows users to access U.S. stocks and ETFs directly on-chain, bypassing many traditional barriers.

Bitget, established in 2018, has emerged as the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 120 million users. Its platform enables trading of millions of crypto tokens, tokenized stocks, ETFs, and other real-world assets, all within a single account. This unified approach reflects a broader industry trend: merging centralized and decentralized finance to provide seamless access to global markets.

Where to Trade Stocks: Comparing Modern Platforms

When considering where to trade stocks, investors now evaluate a range of platforms based on liquidity, asset variety, regulatory clarity, and user experience. Here are the main categories:

• Traditional Brokerages: Still popular for regulated access to major stock markets, but often limited by geographic restrictions and trading hours.
• Tokenized Stock Platforms: Platforms like Bitget and Ondo allow users to trade tokenized versions of U.S. stocks and ETFs 24/7, with fractional ownership and blockchain-based settlement. As of October 2025, Ondo alone accounts for nearly half of the tokenized stock market's TVL.
• On-Chain Exchanges: Decentralized platforms powered by blockchain, such as those built on Solana or BNB Chain, offer direct, peer-to-peer trading of tokenized equities. These platforms are gaining traction, especially among non-U.S. investors facing regulatory hurdles.

Bitget stands out by offering both centralized and decentralized trading options, deep order book liquidity, and institutional-grade execution. According to a recent Nansen report, Bitget's spot trading volume reached $23.1 billion, ranking second globally, with institutional participation rising from 39.4% in January to 72.6% in July 2025.

Emerging Trends and Insights for Stock Traders

Several key trends are shaping where to trade stocks in 2025:

• Tokenization of Real-World Assets: As highlighted by Solana Foundation Chair Lily Liu, the tokenization of stocks, bonds, and even real estate is becoming the norm. This enables instant settlement, lower fees, and greater transparency.
• 24/7 Trading and Global Access: Platforms like Bitget and Ondo now offer round-the-clock trading, allowing users from Asia, Latin America, and beyond to access U.S. equities without traditional time zone or regulatory barriers.
• Institutional Adoption: Bitget's rapid growth in institutional clientele and liquidity depth demonstrates a shift toward professional-grade infrastructure. The platform's Amihud illiquidity ratio of 0.0014 and roll spread estimate of 9.02 basis points indicate consistent execution quality, even during volatile periods.
• Regulatory Developments: The introduction of regulated products, such as ETFs tracking decentralized exchanges (e.g., the Hyperliquid ETF filing by 21Shares), signals increasing mainstream acceptance and oversight.

These trends not only expand where to trade stocks but also enhance the tools and protections available to both retail and institutional participants.

What to Watch Out for When Choosing Where to Trade Stocks

While the options for where to trade stocks are expanding, investors should remain vigilant about platform security, regulatory status, and market volatility. Here are some practical tips:

• Check Platform Credentials: Ensure the platform is regulated or has transparent operational standards. Bitget, for example, is recognized for its robust custody infrastructure and partnerships with major custodians like Fireblocks and Copper.
• Understand Asset Types: Tokenized stocks may carry different risks and settlement mechanisms compared to traditional shares. Always review the underlying structure and rights associated with each asset.
• Manage Risk: Start with small amounts, diversify across assets, and use available risk management tools. Bitget offers tailored lending programs and cross-collateral support for over 300 assets, providing flexibility for both new and experienced traders.
• Stay Updated: The landscape for where to trade stocks is evolving rapidly. Follow official announcements and market data to stay informed about new listings, regulatory changes, and security updates.

For those seeking decentralized access, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial solution supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens, enabling secure, multi-chain trading and direct access to thousands of DApps.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Where to Trade Stocks

As of October 2025, the convergence of traditional finance and blockchain is reshaping where to trade stocks. Platforms like Bitget are at the forefront, offering unified access to both tokenized and conventional assets, deep liquidity, and advanced trading tools. The ongoing rise of tokenization, institutional adoption, and regulatory clarity points to a future where stock trading is more accessible, transparent, and efficient than ever before.

Ready to explore the next generation of stock trading? Open a Bitget account today or download Bitget Wallet to experience seamless access to global markets, innovative trading features, and industry-leading security. Stay ahead of the curve and trade smarter with Bitget.