Robinhood Chain public testnet goes live
Robinhood has launched the public testnet for its new Ethereum Layer 2 network built using Arbitrum technology. The US trading app describes this network as a financial‑grade Layer 2 designed to support tokenised real‑world assets such as stocks and ETFs alongside digital assets. Developers can now access network entry points, technical documentation, and compatibility with standard Ethereum development tools. The testnet environment lets teams experiment with integrations, run infrastructure, and identify issues before a planned mainnet launch later this year.
Johann Kerbrat, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Robinhood Crypto and International, announced the launch at Consensus Hong Kong. He said the goal is to build an ecosystem that defines « the future of tokenised real‑world assets » on top of Ethereum. The chain uses Arbitrum’s technology stack to inherit Ethereum security while reducing fees and latency for high‑frequency retail activity.
Built to combine security with low fees and 24/7 trading
The chain was built for 24/7 trading, seamless bridging between networks, and full self‑custody of on-chain assets. The company says the network targets use cases including tokenised asset platforms, lending markets, and perpetual futures exchanges. Developers will gain access to testnet‑only assets such as stock‑style tokens in the coming months to simulate trading and settlement flows. These tokens mirror traditional equities for testing but do not represent real shares or carry financial value on testnet. Robinhood plans deeper integration with their own wallet so users can eventually interact with dApps on Robinhood Chain inside its existing products. Kerbrat previously explained that a Layer 2 has been chosen instead of building its own Layer 1 to leverage Ethereum’s security and the liquidity of the EVM ecosystem.
This design lets Ethereum handle decentralisation and base security while Robinhood focuses on user experience and financial products like tokenised stocks. The network is permissionless, meaning anyone can deploy applications, but dApps visible inside the app will still need to meet internal requirements.
Strategic push into onchain finance and RWA
The launch of the chain’s testnet marks a deeper push by the brokerage into blockchain infrastructure beyond listing cryptocurrencies. Robinhood has already expanded its tokenised stock offering on Arbitrum from roughly 200 assets to more than 2,000, with plans to migrate them to its own Layer 2 over time. The company aims to support tokenised stocks and ETFs first in the European Union, then expand as regulatory clarity improves in other regions. Industry data from RWAxyz shows RWA have reached about $23.8 billion in value, up roughly 11% in the past month.
Robinhood positions its chain to capture part of this growth by providing cheaper trading, faster settlement, and direct access to DeFi liquidity on Ethereum. By moving trading and settlement onto Layer 2 rails, Robinhood hopes to make blockchain the default backend for mainstream investors over the coming years. The company frames Robinhood Chain as infrastructure that can help traditional stock investors gradually discover and use decentralised finance services.
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