Blockchain is transforming modern stock trading by introducing greater transparency, efficiency, and security. Traditionally, stock transactions involve multiple intermediaries such as brokers, clearinghouses, and custodians. This process can take several days to settle and often adds costs and risks of human error. Blockchain technology simplifies this by recording trades on a decentralised ledger that updates in real time, reducing the need for intermediaries and enabling faster settlement, sometimes within seconds.

Each transaction recorded on a blockchain is immutable and time-stamped, providing a transparent and tamper-proof audit trail. This improves trust among investors and regulators, as all participants can verify ownership and transaction history instantly. It also helps reduce fraud, manipulation, and double-spending issues.

Smart contracts, self-executing agreements coded on the blockchain, further streamline processes by automating trade settlements, dividend payments, and compliance checks. This not only speeds up operations but also cuts down administrative costs.

Several stock exchanges, including those in Switzerland, Singapore, and the U.S., are testing blockchain-based trading systems to improve efficiency and transparency. Tokenised assets, which represent fractional ownership of real-world stocks on blockchain networks, are also expanding access to global markets.

Overall, blockchain is reshaping stock trading by making it faster, safer, and more accessible, while paving the way for a more transparent and inclusive financial ecosystem.