SEC approves Nasdaq's move to support tokenized securities trading

Policy Share Share this article Copy link X icon X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook Email SEC approves Nasdaq's move to support tokenized securities trading The SEC’s approval lets Nasdaq test blockchain-based versions of stocks that trade and settle like traditional shares. By Krisztian Sandor | Edited by Nikhilesh De Mar 18, 2026, 8:44 p.m. Make us preferred on Google Nasdaq (Wikipedia Commons/CC BY 2.0, modified by CoinDesk) What to know : The Securities and Exchange Commission approved Nasdaq's plan to let certain securities trade in tokenized form, integrating blockchain technology into U.S. equity markets. Under the new framework, eligible Nasdaq participants can opt to settle trades as blockchain-based tokens that trade alongside traditional shares with the same tickers, prices and investor rights. Tokenization of stocks has emerged as a fast-growing sector, captivating major exchanges such as Nasdaq and NYSE parent ICE. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved on Wednesday Nasdaq’s proposal to allow certain securities to trade in tokenized form, a significant milestone to integrate blockchain tech into U.S. equity markets. Nasdaq's tokenization plan ties into a pilot run by the Depository Trust Company (DTC), which will handle clearing and settlement of tokenized trades. Nasdaq filed for regulatory permission in September, Under the framework, eligible Nasdaq participants can choose to have trades settled as blockchain-based tokens rather than through standard book-entry systems. Tokenized shares will trade alongside traditional shares on the same order book and at the same price. They will carry identical rights, use the same ticker and CUSIP (identification number) and follow existing market rules. The SEC said the structure meets investor protection standards, noting that surveillance, data reporting and settlement timelines remain intact. The move comes as tokenization of traditional assets like stocks, bonds and funds have become a fast-growing sector in the digital asset space. The process allows near-instant, around-the-clock trading with tokens tied to real-world assets. The trend has captivated major U.S. exchanges. Nasdaq said last week that it is developing a framework that would allow publicly listed companies to issue blockchain-based versions of their shares. It has teamed up with crypto exchange Kraken to distribute tokenized stocks globally. Meanwhile, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the owner of the NYSE, invested in crypto exchange OKX with plans to launch new tokenized stocks and crypto futures. Read more: Here is why Nasdaq and owner of NYSE are putting the $126 trillion equity market on blockchain Tokenization SEC More For You Kalshi co-founder fights back against Arizona’s ‘overstep’ in what a lawyer calls a federal-state turf war By Francisco Rodrigues , Oliver Knight | Edited by Aoyon Ashraf 2 hours ago Arizona has filed 20 criminal counts against Kalshi, a prediction market platform, accusing it of operating an illegal gambling business and offering election wagering in the state. What to know : Arizona has filed 20 criminal counts against Kalshi, a prediction market platform, accusing it of operating an illegal gambling business and offering election wagering in the state. Kalshi's co-founder called the charges a "total overstep", arguing that Arizona is trying to challenge federal regulation of the platform, which is overseen by the CFTC. The case is part of a broader national fight between states and federally regulated prediction markets, with implications for the applicability of federal law versus state regulations. Read full story Latest Crypto News Fairshake's $10 million Illinois misfire marks first big hitch in crypto political surge 13 minutes ago Bitcoin sinks below $71,000, stocks close at session lows, as 2026 Fed rate cut hopes fade further 25 minutes ago Polymarket acquires Brahma to scale blockchain trading infrastructure 48 minutes ago Sam Bankman-Fried's bankrupt exchange FTX set to repay creditors $2.2 billion this month 1 hour ago Kalshi co-founder fights back against Arizona’s ‘overstep’ in what a lawyer calls a federal-state turf war 2 hours ago Federal Reserve holds policy steady as Iran war adds to growth and inflation concerns 2 hours ago Top Stories Crypto exchange Kraken freezes multibillion-dollar IPO plan due to difficult market conditions 5 hours ago Key U.S. senator on crypto market structure bill negotiation: 'We think we've got it' 5 hours ago Trump-linked American Bitcoin's BTC holdings overtake Mike Novogratz’s Galaxy Digital 5 hours ago Former Binance CEO CZ waves off accusations on Iran, terror ties 4 hours ago Traders can now bet on the S&P 500 around the clock without ever touching a traditional stock exchange 5 hours ago Bitcoin quickly pulls back to $71,000 as Iran fears team up with poor U.S. inflation data 7 hours ago