Demand for U.S. equities is rising globally, pushing international investors to look beyond domestic markets as access remains constrained in many regions compared with the United States, Robinhood senior Vice President and General Manager Johann Kerbrat said during a Fireside chat at Consensus 2026 in Miami.
Market Context
The comments come as retail trading platforms have expanded internationally and tokenization technology has lowered barriers to entry for overseas investors seeking exposure to U.S. markets. AI-related companies have been particularly attractive to foreign investors, who often face limited access through local brokerage channels compared with their U.S. counterparts.
Analysis
Kerbrat emphasized that the combination of 24/7 trading platforms and tokenization is fundamentally changing how international investors approach portfolio construction. "It is time for a lot of investors to really think about not just how to invest in one specific country, but also how to have a global portfolio," he said during the discussion moderated by Crypto in America host Eleanor Terrett.
The executive highlighted Robinhood's launch of tokenized stock products in Europe using a derivative model that tracks underlying assets. The platform plans to expand access to additional asset classes including private equity—markets that have historically been limited to accredited investors in many jurisdictions. "I think it is really important to give them the choice to be able to invest in it before it goes public," Kerbrat said, referring to private companies.
Kerbrat acknowledged regulatory headwinds the industry has faced: "Regulation in the U.S. has been less than friendly in the past," he noted, though he pointed to improved engagement with policymakers as a positive development. He emphasized that sustainable adoption will depend on offering new functionality rather than simply replicating existing brokerage services, citing lending, collateralization and continuous trading as areas of differentiation.
Key Numbers
- Robinhood has launched tokenized stock products in Europe using derivative models tracking underlying assets
- Platform plans to expand access to private equity for non-accredited investors
- 24/7 trading and instant settlement cited as key differentiators from traditional brokerage products
- AI-related companies identified as a primary driver of overseas demand for U.S. equities
What to Watch
Traders should monitor Robinhood's expansion timeline for tokenized stock offerings beyond Europe, potential regulatory developments that could ease U.S. market access for international investors, and whether 24/7 trading infrastructure becomes standard across major platforms. The success of AI-sector equity products in attracting foreign capital may influence how other sectors position themselves internationally.