Galaxy Digital Announces New Platform to Compete with Robinhood

Galaxy Digital, led by billionaire investor Mike Novogratz, has officially entered the retail finance arena with the launch of GalaxyOne, a consumer-focused platform combining crypto trading, commission-free stock investing, and yield-bearing accounts. 

The move signals Galaxy’s strategic pivot from institutional services toward a broader consumer base, setting the stage for a direct showdown with Robinhood and Kraken.

Key Takeaways

• GalaxyOne is Galaxy Digital’s first retail platform offering crypto, equities, and yield products under one roof.
• It provides 4% APY on cash deposits through Cross River Bank and 8% premium yield for accredited investors.
• Users can trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, alongside over 2,000 U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs.

GalaxyOne: Merging Crypto and Traditional Finance

GalaxyOne introduces a unified experience for investors who want to manage both traditional and digital assets in one app. 

Through partnerships with Cross River Bank, Paxos, and DriveWealth, the platform offers banking-grade security, high-yield cash accounts, and integrated brokerage services.

The service currently supports trading in Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) — three of the most established cryptocurrencies in the market. 

On the equities side, users can access over 2,000 U.S. stocks and ETFs commission-free, a key selling point for cost-conscious traders.

In many ways, GalaxyOne is Galaxy Digital’s attempt to blend the sophistication of institutional finance with the accessibility of modern retail apps. 

By doing so, it challenges the dominance of Robinhood, which popularized zero-fee trading, and Kraken, which built its reputation among crypto-native users.

Read Also: How Galaxy Digital's $9 Billion BTC Sale Impacts Market

Yield Products That Stand Out

One of GalaxyOne’s main attractions lies in its yield offerings. The GalaxyOne Cash account provides a 4% APY on deposits, a rate made possible through regulated banking services with FDIC insurance.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Premium Yield product offers a striking 8% APY, available only to accredited investors with a minimum deposit of $25,000. This higher-tier yield offering targets a more mature demographic — one that seeks attractive returns while maintaining a higher risk tolerance.

Zac Prince, former CEO of BlockFi and now Galaxy’s Managing Director, emphasized that the platform aims for the middle ground between institutions and small retail users. 

“We think there’s a really interesting opportunity and a compelling product set for the accredited investor profile,” Prince explained, referencing Galaxy’s reputation for “white-glove” institutional services.

Zac Prince’s Return and the BlockFi Legacy

Zac Prince’s comeback is a headline of its own. After leading BlockFi through its rise and collapse during the crypto lending boom, Prince is now at the helm of GalaxyOne’s banking division. 

His renewed focus, shaped by past lessons, aligns with Galaxy’s more conservative and compliant approach.

In his own words, Galaxy is “night and day” compared to BlockFi in terms of structure, risk appetite, and regulatory oversight. The difference underscores how the industry has evolved since 2022, with stronger regulatory frameworks and more transparent operational models guiding the new generation of crypto-financial products.

GLXY Stock Breaks Out on Launch

The market reaction has been swift and positive. Galaxy Digital (GLXY) shares rose more than 10%, reaching a fresh 52-week high as the news spread. 

Analysts point to this launch as a pivotal moment in Galaxy’s evolution — transforming from an institutional brokerage to a diversified fintech powerhouse.

Technical analysts have highlighted that GLXY broke a major resistance zone, with momentum possibly targeting the $50–$60 range if buying pressure continues. 

With trading volumes expanding and bullish candle structures appearing on the weekly chart, confidence is building around the company’s long-term growth prospects.

The Battle for Retail Investors

GalaxyOne enters an increasingly competitive field dominated by tech-forward brokerages. Robinhood built its user base through accessibility and a gamified interface, while Kraken and Coinbase have long been trusted names among crypto purists.

However, Galaxy brings something different — a hybrid model where yield, crypto, and equities coexist seamlessly within one app. This structure appeals to retail investors who want a professional yet secure gateway to both markets without juggling multiple platforms.

The timing couldn’t be more advantageous. Recent Robinhood outages left users frustrated, just as GalaxyOne was making headlines. The coincidence amplified the perception that Galaxy is positioning itself as a more stable, institutionally backed alternative.

How GalaxyOne Differs from Robinhood and Kraken

While all three platforms enable retail access to digital assets, their focus areas diverge:

• Robinhood focuses on accessibility and zero-commission stock trading but offers limited crypto services.
• Kraken prioritizes crypto depth, with advanced trading tools but minimal exposure to traditional assets.
• GalaxyOne merges both worlds — enabling trading in crypto and stocks, plus yield accounts backed by a regulated bank.

This tri-layered structure — banking, crypto, and brokerage — gives Galaxy a competitive advantage in terms of diversification and trust. It also reflects Novogratz’s long-term vision to integrate the best of Wall Street with blockchain infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

The launch of GalaxyOne represents a defining shift in how Galaxy Digital approaches the retail market. It’s not merely an app; it’s a statement that crypto-native firms can compete head-to-head with traditional fintech players.

With its combination of yield-bearing products, secure custody solutions, and cross-market access, GalaxyOne could become the preferred platform for investors seeking both safety and innovation. 

As the crypto and equity markets continue to converge, Galaxy’s hybrid model positions it at the forefront of this new financial paradigm.

Read Also: Whale Moves 40000 BTC to Galaxy Digital: What's Next?

FAQs

What is GalaxyOne?

GalaxyOne is Galaxy Digital’s new retail trading platform that combines crypto, stocks, and yield-bearing accounts for individual investors.

What yield does GalaxyOne offer?

GalaxyOne Cash provides a 4% APY on FDIC-insured deposits, while Galaxy Premium Yield offers 8% APY to accredited investors.

Which cryptocurrencies can be traded on GalaxyOne?

Users can trade Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) directly through the platform.

How does GalaxyOne differ from Robinhood or Kraken?

Unlike Robinhood or Kraken, GalaxyOne integrates crypto, traditional equities, and banking services in one app, with both yield and trading options.

Who leads GalaxyOne?

Zac Prince, former CEO of BlockFi, leads the GalaxyOne division under the broader Galaxy Digital brand led by Mike Novogratz.