Luno launches tokenised US equities in Nigeria
Luno is offering Nigerian investors fractional access to over 60 US equities and ETFs, bypassing traditional foreign exchange and brokerage barriers in a market where less than 5% of adults hold stocks.
In September 2025, Luno introduced tokenised stocks for its Nigerian users, providing local access to over 60 leading global companies and exchange-traded funds. The offering includes highly capitalised technology firms such as Apple, Tesla, NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Amazon. Luno, an Africa-founded exchange operating under Digital Currency Group, is the first of its kind to launch tokenised equities in the Nigerian market.
The product is structured to bypass the traditional friction points that have historically excluded Nigerian retail investors from US markets. Previously, accessing these assets required navigating foreign brokerage accounts, complex documentation, and strict currency restrictions. Luno’s tokenised stocks allow users to purchase fractional shares directly in naira through an app they already use.
Trading mechanics are tailored to the local time zone. Rather than restricting orders to standard US market hours, the platform offers 24/5 access. Luno plans to expand this to 24/7 trading. Settlement is instantaneous, meaning investors can move funds between tokenised stocks and existing crypto holdings like Bitcoin and Ethereum without delay.
The regulatory and custody structure addresses a primary concern for investors evaluating tokenised assets. Each token is fully backed by the corresponding underlying share. These shares are held through regulated custody arrangements managed by global partners, specifically Kraken’s xStocks and Backed Finance. This framework aims to align with international standards for security and compliance.
The launch targets a profound imbalance in Nigeria’s broader financial landscape. While the country’s financial inclusion rate currently stands at 74%, fewer than 5% of Nigerian adults invest in stocks. Luno attributes this gap to high entry barriers and the disconnect between legacy brokerages and local market realities. By consolidating global equities into a domestic crypto wallet, Luno is betting that simplified access can convert an uninvested population into active participants in foreign capital markets.
