Introduction
Buying stocks on a crypto exchange accelerated from 2024-2025. But the EU landscape is fragmented: some platforms offer real shares, others synthetic derivatives or wrapper tokens — and not everything is allowed everywhere.
Three kinds of "stocks"
- Real stocks — actual shares, on-chain, ownership under e.g. NY UCC Article 8. Dividends, sometimes voting rights, sometimes ACATS transfers.
- Wrapper tokens — a claim on an issuer (often Jersey) who holds the shares. No direct ownership.
- Synthetic derivatives (X-Perps on stocks) — futures on the share price; you own nothing.
Full explanation: Real stocks vs wrapper tokens and Stocks on-chain explained.
What is legally allowed in the EU?
All three forms qualify as transferable securities or derivatives under EU law and therefore require What is a MiFID II licence?. If the provider is not in the MiFID II register, the offering happens outside EU supervision.
The current offering per exchange
- Backpack — real stocks (beta), 1,000+ names, W-8BEN support, ACATS transfers possible
- Binance — real stocks (7,000+) on BNB Chain, but unavailable for the Netherlands; T+2, no W-8BEN
- Kraken — xStocks: wrapper tokens via Backed Assets (Jersey)
- OKX (EU) — X-Perps on 7 US tech stocks (synthetic)
- Bitvavo, Bybit, Bitstamp, Coinbase, Crypto.com, Hyperliquid — no stock offering
Compare feature-by-feature in the Stocks comparison.
What to check
- What do you really own? The bankruptcy test.
- Dividends and tax: only real shares with W-8BEN get the 15% treaty rate instead of 30%.
- Exit options: can you transfer to a traditional broker (ACATS)?
- Trading hours: 24/5 is the norm — see 24/5 stock trading.
Frequently asked questions
Can Dutch users buy stocks on a crypto exchange?
Yes, at MiFID II-licensed platforms serving the Netherlands. The offering differs per venue.
Is this cheaper than a regular broker?
Sometimes — compare total costs including spread and FX. For pure stock investing a traditional broker often remains fine.