NASDAQ Developments - NASDAQ has requested the SEC to allow trading of clearly labeled equivalent rights tokenized shares as traditional stocks, marking a significant move to integrate blockchain technology into US equity markets [2][3] - Tokenized securities are digital representations of stocks that can enhance liquidity, support fractional ownership, and provide access to overseas investors [3] - The proposal seeks to amend existing rules to permit tokenized stocks to be traded similarly to traditional equities, addressing fundamental questions about stock issuance, definition, and settlement [4][5] Gemini Partnership - NASDAQ has become a strategic investor in Gemini Space Station, a cryptocurrency exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, as it prepares for an IPO [6][7] - Gemini holds approximately $20 billion in assets and has processed nearly $300 billion in lifetime trading volume, offering various digital asset services [8] - The firm aims to raise around $300 million in its IPO, with NASDAQ investing $50 million in a private placement, enhancing access to Gemini's services for NASDAQ clients [9] CBOE Innovations - CBOE plans to launch continuous Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts later this year, pending regulatory review [10] - These contracts will have 10-year expirations, cash-settled, and aligned to real-time spot market prices, simplifying position management and reducing costs associated with periodic rolling [11] - The new products are expected to attract both retail and institutional traders, offering substantial advantages for long-term crypto exposure [12][13]
Crypto Corner: Nasdaq Eyes Tokens, Gemini IPO & CBOE Continuous Bitcoin Contracts