Nasdaq seeks SEC approval of stock tokenization by Q3 2026, bridging traditional finance with blockchain-based digital markets.
Nasdaq is moving rapidly to secure U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approval to offer tokenized stocks. “We’ll just move as fast as we can,” Matt Savarese, Nasdaq’s head of digital assets strategy, said. This was during an interview with CNBC on Thursday. The exchange aims to align the initiative with investor protections. It also aims to align with existing trading standards.
The push comes after Nasdaq’s continued immersion into digital assets since 2021. This started with the Nasdaq Crypto Index. The September SEC filing makes a proposal for a change in the rules. This is to allow tokenized stocks and exchange-traded products (ETPs) to trade along with traditional securities. “This offers investors options in holding and settling the assets,” Savarese said. This can either be in the form of blockchain or traditional accounts. He pointed out that the system keeps the same rights and titles of the tokenized shares the same.
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Tokenized assets would be used on the same ticker. They would also use the same order books as the stocks of conventional stocks. Nasdaq stressed that no new exotic instruments are being developed. “It is totally fungible between token and traditional form,” Savarese said. Design of the system that can be easily integrated. This is with existing market structures. It adheres to SEC rules. It also maintains good liquidity depth.
According to Savarese, tokenization provides some near-term benefits of efficiency. These include streamlined post-trade processing. Long-term benefits, moreover, are collateral mobility and capital efficiency. Blockchain recording of tokenized shares could allow for faster settlement. It could also enable programmable corporate actions. It has potential applications in the areas of borrowing, lending, and collateralized trading. Nasdaq also highlighted the importance of improved auditability and process transparency.
The history of the exchange for digital assets forms the basis for the exchange. Nasdaq is involved in operating technology for more than 130 markets worldwide. It is responsible for the Nasdaq Crypto Index. Further, it provides crypto custody services and market surveillance tools adapted to digital assets. Savarese emphasised that the initiative is a step towards evolution and not revolution. They want to make tokenization mainstream. They also want to keep in place regulatory guardrails that have been in place for decades.
The proposal comes as there is greater interest in tokenized assets. It also comes with a regulatory environment that is influenced by the new SEC administration. If it’s approved, tokenized trading could get off to a roaring start on Nasdaq by the third quarter of 2026.
However, talks on implementation details and regulatory standards are expected. Proponents say it will increase liquidity. It will also facilitate fractional ownership. It will support 24/7 trading. Critics warn that new vulnerabilities are introduced by blockchain-based systems. They may also provide restricted enhancements in efficient U.S. markets.
Savarese also mentioned the merging of traditional finance and decentralized finance. This is an innovation-driving force. “Bringing together risk management and compliance and regulation and programmable blockchain technology can help improve capital efficiency,” he said. Nasdaq is positioning tokenization as a bridge. This is between legacy systems, and new digital markets. It seeks to help with the institutional adoption. It is also focused on long-term growth in the market.
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