Nasdaq Pledges Swift Push for SEC Approval of Tokenized Stocks

Core Viewpoint - Nasdaq is prioritizing its tokenized-stock proposal, aiming to secure SEC approval for trading on-chain "stock tokens" that represent publicly listed shares under existing market rules [1][3]. Group 1: Proposal Details - The proposal seeks to allow trading of listed equities and exchange-traded products in tokenized form while ensuring the same investor protections and execution standards as traditional securities [3]. - Tokenized shares will carry the same rights as their underlying securities, including voting privileges and dividend rights, and will be fully fungible with traditional forms [5]. Group 2: Market Structure and Evolution - Nasdaq's approach is to maintain the current market structure while introducing blockchain-based settlement options, emphasizing that the existing rules will not be disrupted [4][6]. - The exchange positions itself as an innovator in market infrastructure evolution, comparing tokenization to its previous transition from paper-based to electronic trading [6]. Group 3: Benefits and Timeline - Near-term benefits of tokenization will focus on back-end processing improvements, with tokenized settlement creating immediate process efficiencies [7]. - The exchange plans to ensure seamless integration with existing member firm systems before pursuing faster settlement speeds [7].