Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman Outlines 3 Ways Blockchain Can Fix Finance

Core Insights - Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman believes blockchain will transform the traditional financial system by enhancing post-trade infrastructure, improving collateral mobility, and facilitating faster payments [1][3]. Group 1: Post-Trade Infrastructure - The current post-trade processes are fragmented and rely on outdated infrastructure, which creates unnecessary friction and ties up capital [2][4]. - Blockchain technology has the potential to unify and streamline these workflows, reducing inefficiencies and accelerating financial activities [2][4]. Group 2: Collateral Management - Digital assets can enhance the movement and management of collateral, allowing for quicker transfers across platforms and borders [3]. - Friedman emphasizes the importance of creating a collateral mobility effort to free up significant amounts of capital [3]. Group 3: Payment Systems - The existing payment infrastructure is seen as a bottleneck that hinders capital flow [4]. - Improving or rebuilding payment systems using blockchain could unlock substantial capital currently trapped in outdated processes, facilitating easier fund movement across various platforms and asset classes [4]. Group 4: Nasdaq's Initiatives - Nasdaq has initiated steps towards integrating blockchain by filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to support trading of tokenized securities [5]. - The proposed framework allows for tokenized settlement, enabling trades to be routed for delivery into digital wallets while maintaining the existing securities structure [5].