Summary of Nasdaq Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Nasdaq (NasdaqGS:NDAQ) - **Date**: November 19, 2025 - **Speaker**: Sarah, CFO of Nasdaq Key Industry Insights Generative AI (Gen AI) Impact - Nasdaq has been preparing for Gen AI for over a decade, having invested in cloud and AI technologies since 2014 and 2015 respectively [6][10] - The company emphasizes the importance of contributory data, which is unique and not easily replicable, as a competitive advantage for Gen AI applications [6][7] - Examples of contributory data include: - **Verafin**: Over $10 trillion in total assets from 2,700 banks, developed over 15 years [7] - **eVestment**: Utilized by allocators for around 89,000 strategies [7] - Gen AI applications are expected to enhance efficiency in compliance and fraud detection for banks, potentially reducing the need for human intervention in 80% of sanctions processes [8][9] Financial Performance and Growth - Nasdaq has seen a significant increase in enterprise signings for Verafin, with three times the amount of signings in the current year compared to previous periods [13] - The average contract value (ACV) of signings has doubled, indicating strong demand [13] - The cross-sell pipeline remains steady at approximately 15%, with ongoing efforts to expand into new markets, including Europe [13][14] Capital Market Technology - Nasdaq reported a 13% growth in capital market technology in Q3, driven by advancements in Gen AI across various business segments [15] - The company operates about 20 exchanges across the Nordics and the U.S., benefiting from new entrants in the digital space [19] Regulatory Technology (Reg Tech) - Nasdaq anticipates the implementation of smart regulation, which will provide clarity for clients and enhance the adoption of regulatory solutions [22][23] - The company has a strong international presence with coverage in 55 countries and 110 regulators, making it difficult for competitors to replicate [23] Data Business - Nasdaq's data business is divided into regulated data and proprietary data, with significant growth in both areas [36][37] - The company is expanding its data offerings to include local stocks from the Nordics and alpha-generating datasets for hedge funds [37][38] Tokenized Securities - Nasdaq has proposed a framework for tokenized securities that aims to enhance liquidity while maintaining investor protections [39][40] - The proposal allows for settlement options in both traditional and tokenized forms, potentially improving efficiency in capital markets [40] Cost Synergies and Expense Management - Nasdaq has exceeded its synergy guidance, achieving approximately $150 million in cost efficiencies year-to-date [41] - The company is focused on maintaining a balance between expense growth and revenue growth, with a specific emphasis on leveraging Gen AI for operational efficiencies [42] Capital Allocation Strategy - Nasdaq is prioritizing organic growth and maintaining a progressive dividend policy while considering share repurchases and debt management [45][46] - The company remains open to potential bolt-on acquisitions but emphasizes organic investments as the primary focus [46] Additional Insights - Nasdaq's brand recognition as a top global brand enhances its listings franchise, contributing to its market position [28][29] - The index business has grown significantly, with an increase in assets under management (AUM) from $100 billion in 2017 to $800 billion [30][32] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Nasdaq conference call, highlighting the company's strategic focus on technology, growth, and market positioning.