AI Summary
5 min readRobinhood’s head of crypto, Johann Kerbrat, joined Empire to lay out the company’s long-term strategy: using blockchain technology not just for crypto trading, but as the backbone for a global, multi-asset financial platform. The conversation covered the launch of the Robinhood Chain, the logic behind tokenizing real-world assets, and how the company thinks about integrating DeFi products for a mainstream audience without forcing users to become crypto natives.
From a Crypto Wallet to an Onchain Financial Backbone
Robinhood’s crypto ambitions have evolved significantly since it first offered Bitcoin and Ethereum trading in 2018. The initial vision was simple: let customers access any financial instrument they were excited about. But over time, the company recognized that blockchain technology could do more than facilitate asset trading—it could power international expansion and new product categories. The launch of a self-custodial wallet, now available in over 120 countries, was the first major step. The next, and more ambitious, move is the Robinhood Chain, an Ethereum Layer 2 built on the Arbitrum stack.
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What you'll learn
- 1 Robinhood's Plan to Bring Global Finance Onchain | Johann Kerbrat
- 2 (00:57) **The Evolution of Robinhood's Crypto Vision** - From 2018 Bitcoin/Ethereum trading to a global onchain strategy
- 3 (02:19) **Why Robinhood Built Its Own Chain** - Not a side project but infrastructure for new products
- 4 (03:33) **The Real Benefits of Going Onchain** - Accessibility, automation, and cost savings
- 5 (05:20) **Will All of Robinhood Move Onchain?** - Convergence is happening, but not everything in five years
- 6 (07:33) **How Crypto Works Inside Robinhood** - A diversified business line with its own P&L
- 7 (10:08) **Crypto as a Service** - Banks and institutions using Robinhood's infrastructure
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Show Notes
What happens when Robinhood turns crypto from a trading feature into the backbone of its global financial platform?
This week, Robinhood's GM of Crypto, Johann Kerbrat, explains how Robinhood Chain connects DeFi, tokenized assets, and mainstream users.
We explore global access, permissionless development, strategic partnerships, token economics, and whether equities and crypto eventually converge. Enjoy!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
00:59 Robinhood’s Onchain Vision
04:46 Will Robinhood Move Fully Onchain?
11:07 Inside Robinhood Chain’s Explosive Launch
14:33 Building The Chain For Adoption
16:15 Ads (peaq)
17:00 Building Robinhood’s DeFi Stack
21:20 Why DeFi Partners Stay Independent
26:58 Tokenized Equities Go Global
30:38 Robinhood’s Crypto Growth Strategy
34:52 Competition And Financial Convergence
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DISCLAIMER
Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Any views expressed are opinions, not financial advice. Hosts and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
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