Nasdaq Proposes Tokenized Securities Trading to SEC ∞ Regulation

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Briefing

Nasdaq has formally submitted a proposed rule change to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), seeking to enable the trading of tokenized equity securities and exchange-traded products (ETPs) on its established markets. This strategic initiative aims to integrate blockchain technology into the core U.S. equities infrastructure, allowing for optional tokenized settlement through the Depository Trust Corporation (DTC) while preserving all existing investor protections and market integrity standards. The proposal, filed on September 8, 2025, is now open for public comment, marking a critical juncture for digital asset integration within traditional finance.

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Context

Prior to this action, the U.S. regulatory landscape for tokenized securities operated largely without a clear, integrated framework within established national exchanges. While interest in blockchain-based assets grew, the absence of explicit rules for their trading alongside traditional counterparts on regulated venues created market fragmentation and uncertainty regarding fungibility, settlement, and investor safeguards. This situation posed a compliance challenge for firms seeking to leverage tokenization benefits within a robust, regulated environment.

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Analysis

Nasdaq’s proposal directly impacts the operational architecture of U.S. equity markets by introducing a mechanism for tokenized securities to coexist and trade fungibly with their traditional counterparts. This alters compliance frameworks by requiring firms to understand and adapt to a dual-format trading environment, where the choice of tokenized settlement is an option post-trade, managed by the DTC. The chain of cause and effect for regulated entities involves potential upgrades to trading and settlement systems, ensuring that tokenized assets adhere to existing surveillance, reporting, and investor protection protocols. This represents a critical update for market participants seeking to leverage blockchain efficiencies while maintaining regulatory adherence.

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Parameters

Proposing Entity ∞ Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Regulatory Authority ∞ U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Filing Type ∞ Proposed Rule Change (Form 19b-4, SR-NASDAQ-2025-072)
Filing Date ∞ September 8, 2025
Asset Classes ∞ Equity Securities, Exchange Traded Products (ETPs)
Core Principle ∞ Fungibility with traditional securities, identical rights and benefits, existing market infrastructure for trading and settlement
Settlement Mechanism ∞ Depository Trust Corporation (DTC) for tokenized settlement
Current Status ∞ Open for public comment

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Outlook

The SEC’s review of Nasdaq’s proposal initiates a crucial public comment period, which will shape the final regulatory stance on tokenized securities within established U.S. markets. This action could set a significant precedent for other jurisdictions considering the integration of blockchain technology into traditional financial infrastructure. Potential second-order effects include accelerated innovation in asset tokenization, increased institutional adoption of digital assets, and a clearer pathway for regulated entities to offer blockchain-enabled financial products, fostering greater market efficiency and investor choice.

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Verdict

Nasdaq’s proactive SEC filing for tokenized securities trading represents a foundational step towards seamlessly integrating blockchain innovation into established U.S. capital markets, providing a clear, regulated pathway for digital asset evolution.

Signal Acquired from ∞ Nasdaq.com