Exchange Says It Will Move Quickly to Address SEC Questions
Nasdaq is making its proposal to launch tokenized versions of publicly traded stocks a top priority, signaling that it is prepared to work closely with regulators to bring the initiative to market. The exchange’s head of digital assets strategy, Matt Savarese, said the team aims to “move as fast as we can” as it navigates the approval process.
Nasdaq Positions Tokenization as an Extension, Not a Disruption
The proposal, originally submitted on Sept. 8, seeks permission to allow investors to trade stock tokens, which serve as digital representations of existing shares. Savarese stressed that the exchange is not attempting to overhaul the current investing structure but wants to expand access within existing regulatory frameworks.
“We’re not looking at upending the system,” Savarese said, underscoring Nasdaq’s commitment to a responsible and investor-oriented rollout.
He noted that Nasdaq will respond to public comments and SEC inquiries as quickly as possible, aiming to advance tokenization in a way that aligns with established securities rules.
Industry Interest — and Skepticism — Continues to Rise
Tokenized equities have become one of the most discussed developments in digital assets this year. Galaxy Digital recently tokenized its equity on the Solana network, marking the first instance of a Nasdaq-listed company taking this step.
The move highlighted growing interest in merging traditional assets with blockchain infrastructure.
However, not all industry voices are fully convinced. Some analysts argue that if tokenized stocks operate on layer-2 networks, value may not flow back into the broader crypto ecosystem as strongly as expected, raising concerns about potential “leakage” away from major chains like Ethereum.
A Pivotal Moment for Market Modernization
Nasdaq’s initiative echoes its long history of technological innovation—from the shift to electronic trading systems to today’s exploration of digital asset infrastructure.
If approved, the proposal could mark a significant milestone in bringing tokenized financial products into mainstream markets.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.