Nasdaq is accelerating its efforts towards regulatory approval for the launch of tokenized stocks, as indicated by the exchange’s digital assets chief, Matt Savarese. In a recent CNBC interview, Savarese underscored Nasdaq’s commitment to responding swiftly to inquiries from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), aiming to introduce stock tokenization into mainstream markets without upheaval.
On September 8, 2025, Nasdaq submitted its proposal for tokenized stocks, and the exchange is currently engaged in the public comment period, eagerly awaiting feedback. Savarese confidently remarked, “We’ll just move as fast as we can” regarding the anticipated timeline for receiving regulatory approval. He emphasized that collaboration with the SEC is a top priority, as Nasdaq seeks to navigate this new frontier of digital assets.
Crucially, Savarese clarified that Nasdaq’s tokenization strategy does not aim to overhaul the existing stock market framework. Instead, it is dedicated to introducing a controlled, compliant mechanism that prioritizes investor protection. He reassured stakeholders by stating, “We’re not looking at upending the system. We want everyone to come along for that ride and bring tokenization more into the mainstream.” This approach reflects Nasdaq’s commitment to operating within the existing SEC guidelines, paving the way for a new dimension of stock trading that adheres to regulatory standards.
Tokenized stocks will exist as digital representations of actual shares in companies listed on Nasdaq, providing a novel route for equity trading. Industry analysts have noted the significant attention tokenized equities have garnered in 2025; notable players like Galaxy Digital, led by Mike Novogratz, have already tapped into this realm, launching digital shares on the Solana blockchain.
However, opinions on the efficacy of tokenized stocks vary within the industry. Rob Hadick of Dragonfly, a crypto venture firm, expressed skepticism about the value of tokenized stocks in the broader crypto landscape, raising concerns that layer-2 networks could siphon value from traditional platforms like Ethereum.
Despite the divergent views, Nasdaq’s strategy is focused on blending traditional financial market principles with innovative blockchain solutions. As Savarese noted, encapsulating this balance will be key to the successful rollout of tokenized stocks.
Nasdaq’s trajectory suggests an evolution rooted in its long-standing legacy of innovation within financial market infrastructure. Savarese highlighted the exchange’s historical leadership in transforming paper-based trading systems into electronic formats, now aiming to extend that pioneering spirit into the tokenized equity space.
As Nasdaq seeks to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and readiness for scale, the exchange aims to roll out tokenized stocks in a responsible, investor-oriented manner aligned with SEC regulations. With this proactive approach, Nasdaq hopes to redefine the digital trading experience while fulfilling its commitment to investor protections.
