Centralized Wall Street gatekeepers to control investors’ route into tokenized stocks through old pipes

24X National Exchange has filed proposal SR-24X-2026-20 with the SEC to enable the trading of tokenized securities on its exchange platform. This initiative leverages the Depository Trust Company (DTC) pilot program, which allows for the minting of tokens representing security entitlements while maintaining Cede & Co. as the registered owner. By requiring identical CUSIPs, symbols, and shareholder rights, the proposal ensures that tokenized shares remain fully fungible with traditional equity counterparts. The model integrates directly into existing national market system architecture, requiring participants to use registered wallets and adhere to strict eligibility criteria. This development signals a shift where traditional financial gatekeepers are formalizing tokenization as an upgrade to legacy infrastructure rather than a decentralized alternative. By keeping custody and market controls within the DTC framework, the proposal prioritizes regulatory compliance and institutional oversight over permissionless innovation. Ultimately, this approach establishes a controlled, exchange-led path for tokenized stocks that preserves the established rights of shareholders while modernizing settlement processes.