Nine Companies, Including Broadcom and Verizon, Object to Their Shares Being Tokenized. Can They Stop It?

October 19, 2026 - 03:47

Nine major companies, among them Broadcom and Verizon, have formally objected to the listing of tokenized versions of their shares by a joint venture between OKX and Intercontinental Exchange. The objections became public on October 16, 2026, bringing a simmering dispute over digital asset representation into open view.

The companies argue that tokenized shares blur the line between traditional equity and crypto products, raising concerns about investor protection, market integrity, and control over how their stock is represented. Broadcom and Verizon, both widely held by institutional and retail investors, are joined by seven other firms in challenging the listings.

The joint venture has defended the practice, framing tokenized stocks as a step toward broader market access and efficiency. Supporters say the products could lower barriers for investors and modernize settlement, while critics warn they may circumvent established regulatory frameworks.

Legal analysts suggest the companies face an uphill battle. Tokenized shares are typically structured as derivatives or digital claims rather than direct ownership, which complicates arguments that the listings infringe on corporate rights. Still, the pushback signals growing unease among blue-chip firms about how their equity is packaged and sold in crypto markets.

Regulators have not issued a definitive ruling, and the dispute is likely to intensify as tokenized assets gain traction. For now, the nine companies are weighing their options, and the outcome could shape how traditional finance and digital asset platforms coexist.