One of the world’s most influential stock exchanges is moving deeper into blockchain. On September 8, Nasdaq announced it has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to begin trading tokenized securities on its platform.
Bringing Blockchain Into U.S. Equities
According to Nasdaq President Tal Cohen, the move is designed to harness blockchain’s speed, efficiency, and transparency while embedding it directly into U.S. equity infrastructure. Crucially, these tokenized assets will retain all traditional investor rights and protections, including dividends.
“The integration of tokenization and blockchain technology alongside traditional market infrastructure presents an extraordinary opportunity for the global financial system,” Cohen said. “I am excited to share that we have submitted a filing to the SEC to facilitate the trading of tokenized securities on the Nasdaq Stock Market.”
Cohen explained that tokenization could help shorten settlement times, streamline processes like proxy voting, and modernize outdated systems all while keeping investor protection and market stability as top priorities.
Tokenization Moves Into the Mainstream
Nasdaq’s filing comes as asset tokenization surges in popularity across financial markets. According to recent data, the total value of tokenized assets has doubled year over year, climbing from $12.4 billion in 2024 to $26.3 billion in 2025.
Big players are already entering the space. On the same day as Nasdaq’s filing, Fidelity launched a $200 million tokenized Treasury fund on Ethereum, underscoring how traditional finance is steadily adopting blockchain-based financial products.
Currently, Treasuries and private credit dominate tokenization, but tokenized equities are increasingly gaining traction a development that Nasdaq’s entry could accelerate.
Why It Matters
Nasdaq’s decision is a major endorsement for tokenization, signaling that the technology is moving beyond pilot projects and into mainstream market infrastructure. By combining blockchain innovation with established investor protections, Nasdaq could set the stage for a new era where traditional securities and tokenized assets trade side by side.
