US SEC Advances Proceedings to Enable Nasdaq Launch Tokenized Securities Trading — Source: CoinGape US SEC announces order on a proposal by Nasdaq to list and trade tokenized securities. Tokenized securities trading on Nasdaq received support the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. Depository Trust Company receiving a no-action letter from the SEC signals potential approval soon. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has started proceedings on the proposal by Nasdaq to ...

Core Insights - Australia's securities regulator, ASIC, has introduced new licensing and custody exemptions for certain stablecoins and wrapped tokens to promote innovation in the digital assets sector [1][2] - The recent measures build on previous class relief granted in September, allowing stablecoin intermediaries to operate without separate licensing [2][3] Regulatory Changes - ASIC has allowed providers to hold digital assets classified as financial products in omnibus accounts, contingent on proper record-keeping and reconciliation [2] - The updated digital asset guidance (INFO 225) published in October indicated a no-action position until June 30, 2026, for firms seeking licenses [2][3] Industry Feedback - Industry submissions supported the use of omnibus account structures for digital asset custody due to operational efficiencies, although there were calls for clearer record-keeping rules [4] - The guidance specifies that eligible stablecoins must maintain reserves equal to or greater than the total underlying currency amount, with unconditional redemption rights for holders [4] Reporting Requirements - Stablecoin issuers are mandated to publish quarterly reserve reports after four months and annual audited reports after 16 months to confirm reserves are cash or cash equivalents [5] Industry Perspective - The relief measures are seen as positive, although there is a historical divergence in views regarding whether tokens themselves are financial products or securities [6]

🔥 NEW: $ONDO submitted its tokenized securities roadmap to the SEC, urging support for multiple ownership models and broader onchain integration to help the U.S. lead the shift toward asset tokenization. https://t.co/iBwC1Nk8BN ...

Core Insights - The SEC is embracing innovations in financial markets, particularly in the area of tokenization and digital assets, which could enhance transparency and reduce risks in trading and settlement processes [5][10][19]. Market Evolution - Over the past 30 years, the U.S. capital markets have shifted from a floor-based trading system to a fully electronic system, significantly changing how transactions are conducted [2][4]. - Individual investors' ownership of public company capital has decreased, with a shift towards investment through vehicles like pension funds, ETFs, and mutual funds [3][4]. Tokenization - Tokenization involves using blockchain technology to represent underlying securities, which could lead to greater transparency and efficiency in ownership tracking and settlement processes [6][7]. - The potential for real-time settlement (T0) as opposed to the traditional T+1 could significantly reduce risks associated with the gap between trade execution and settlement [7][8]. Regulatory Framework - The SEC is working on a new taxonomy to clarify what constitutes a security, particularly in relation to tokenized assets, and plans to introduce an "innovation exemption" to allow companies to experiment within defined parameters [13][15]. - Recent legislation, such as the Genius Act for stablecoins, marks a significant step in recognizing digital products within the regulatory framework [16][17]. Collaboration with CFTC - The SEC aims to harmonize its regulations with the CFTC to create a more efficient marketplace, addressing historical discord between the two agencies [18][20]. - This collaboration is expected to enhance investor protection and facilitate innovation in financial products [19][20].

Core Viewpoint - The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to hold a meeting on December 4 to discuss the tokenization of stocks, a significant shift in regulatory approach towards digital assets and their integration into traditional finance [1][2]. Group 1: Tokenization and Its Implications - Tokenization transforms ownership of assets like company shares and bonds into digital tokens on a blockchain, allowing for faster trades, lower costs, and fractional ownership [2]. - The SEC's meeting will explore how existing securities laws can adapt to accommodate tokenized assets without overhauling decades of regulation [2][8]. - The SEC has noted a significant increase in the issuance of tokenized securities, indicating that the meeting is responding to a growing trend in the market [9]. Group 2: Regulatory Framework and Leadership - Chairman Paul Atkins, who took over the SEC earlier this year, is advocating for a regulatory framework that recognizes the evolving nature of digital assets and their potential to operate outside traditional oversight [3][5]. - Atkins categorizes digital assets into four groups, with tokenized securities being the focus of the upcoming meeting [6]. Group 3: Industry Participation and Legislative Context - The December meeting will feature executives from major crypto exchanges and asset management firms, discussing practical aspects of tokenized securities [9][13]. - The timing of the meeting aligns with broader legislative efforts, including the CLARITY bill, which aims to establish a clearer regulatory framework for the crypto market [11][12]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The outcome of the December meeting may clarify whether regulators can keep pace with industry developments or if firms will continue to innovate in a regulatory gray area [13]. - The potential for ordinary investors to purchase fractions of company stock with smaller amounts of capital could democratize access to investment opportunities [8].

Robinhood is validating the @arbitrum app-to-chain model.Tokenized securities on Arbitrum One have reached $8.9M, with 71.2% in stocks and 22.5% in ETFs.Patryk (@Solofunk):The market cap of @RobinhoodApp tokenized securities on Arbitrum One is $8.9M.71.2% is in stocks like $GOOGL, $BMNR, and $HOOD, and 22.5% is in ETFs like $VOO.In Phase 2, Robinhood will follow the app-to-chain model and launch an @arbitrum chain, settling on @ethereum. https://t.co/0F2fXULS8I ...

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].

Core Insights - Coinbase has acquired investment platform Echo for nearly $375 million in a cash-and-stock deal, aiming to enhance fundraising tools on its platform [2][3] - The digital assets industry is experiencing increased deal-making activity, supported by a crypto-friendly administration in the U.S. [2] - Echo's platform facilitates capital raising and investment for the crypto community through private and public token sales [3][4] Company Developments - Coinbase plans to initially focus on crypto token sales via Echo's Sonar platform, with future plans to support tokenized securities and real-world assets [4] - Echo, founded by crypto trader Jordan Fish (known as "Cobie"), has assisted crypto projects in raising over $200 million since its inception two years ago [4] - In May, Coinbase completed a $2.9 billion acquisition of crypto options provider Deribit, enhancing its derivatives portfolio and international presence [5] Industry Trends - The acquisition of Echo aligns with a broader trend of increasing mergers and acquisitions within the cryptocurrency sector as companies seek to expand their offerings [2][3] - Kraken's recent $100 million acquisition of Small Exchange indicates a growing interest in establishing U.S.-based derivatives platforms [3]

Core Viewpoint - Ondo Finance is advocating for the U.S. SEC to postpone a proposed Nasdaq rule change that would permit trading of tokenized securities due to concerns over transparency and fair market access [1][4]. Group 1: Nasdaq's Proposed Rule Change - Nasdaq plans to amend its rules to facilitate tokenized asset trading, with expectations that the Depository Trust Company (DTC) will manage post-trade settlement for these tokens, although specific details remain unclear [2][3]. - Ondo Finance highlights that the lack of direct evidence regarding DTC's process for settling tokenized securities undermines the SEC's ability to assess the rule change's compliance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [3]. Group 2: Concerns Raised by Ondo Finance - Ondo argues that the current situation creates an information imbalance, favoring larger, established firms over smaller or newer companies that lack necessary data to adapt to market changes [3][4]. - The company expresses willingness to support Nasdaq's initiative if DTC publicly discloses its settlement process, but is currently requesting a formal SEC review that could result in disapproval of the proposed rule [4].

Core Insights - ARK Invest has acquired a stake in Securitize, a leading platform for tokenization, indicating a strategic move into the tokenization space [1][2][5] - The investment aims to enhance institutional adoption of tokenized securities and improve capital markets infrastructure [5][6] - Tokenization is seen as a transformative process for capital markets, allowing for fractional ownership and 24/7 trading of assets [3][6] Company Summary - ARK Invest's ARK Venture Fund (ARKVX) holds 3.25% of its assets in Securitize, amounting to an estimated investment of approximately $10 million [1] - Securitize has tokenized over $4 billion in securities, positioning itself as a leader in the real-world asset tokenization market [2][4] - Prior to ARK Invest, Securitize attracted investments from major institutional players such as BlackRock and Morgan Stanley, highlighting its credibility in the market [4] Industry Summary - The tokenization process allows for the digital representation of assets, making them more accessible and enabling fractional ownership [3] - The investment by ARK Invest reflects a growing belief among institutional investors that tokenization will significantly change capital markets [6] - Securitize's co-founder emphasized that tokenization has reached a critical point, with major asset managers beginning to bring funds and equities on-chain [5]