The Nasdaq has filed with the SEC a request to allow investors to trade stocks in the form of blockchain tokens, on par with traditional stocks, with the same rights and privileges.
The SEC, through its ‘Project Crypto,’ aims to lay the groundwork for a regulated market of tokenized securities, supported by the DTC to modernize settlement and reduce costs.
This initiative could hasten the convergence of traditional finance and crypto, providing unprecedented validity to tokenized assets and paving the way for global adoption.
The Nasdaq’s Stocks Directly on the Blockchain
The Nasdaq, a hub for tech giants like Apple, Alphabet, or Microsoft, has just submitted an explosive request to the SEC: to allow investors to trade stocks in the form of tokenized securities, in addition to the conventional system. A milestone that could reshape the face of global finance.
Des actions du Nasdaq directement sur la blockchain
Concretely, the idea is simple yet radical. Investors would have the choice to go through the traditional route, Nasdaq’s order book as known for decades, or buy shares in the form of tokens registered on the blockchain. And these orders would be processed in the same manner, with no difference in priority.
In essence, owning a token of Apple or Amazon stock would grant the same rights as a traditional stock: voting, dividends, liquidation. The only difference: ownership and transactions would be recorded on a distributed ledger, with unprecedented transparency and speed.
Le timing n’est pas anodin
The Nasdaq is not making this move in isolation. In recent weeks, Robinhood, Gemini, Kraken, and others have launched tokens in Europe representing nearly 200 American stocks and ETFs. But the entry of a behemoth like the Nasdaq changes the game: this is one of the most powerful exchanges globally, with massive volumes and a direct influence on global finance.
The SEC, under the guidance of its chairman Paul Atkins, has placed tokenization at the core of its strategy. Its ‘Project Crypto’ aims to pave the way for a regulated market of tokenized securities, capable of competing with current systems.
Why It’s a Historic Breakthrough
Behind this decision, there is a striking parallel: Atkins likens this shift to the transition from analog to digital music. Like vinyl to MP3, paper stocks to blockchain already seem to belong to the past.
The promise is twofold. On one hand, enhanced efficiency in settlement and delivery thanks to the Depository Trust Company (DTC), which is working on the infrastructure. On the other hand, opening up endless avenues for innovation: new types of securities, easier access for individuals, and a drastic reduction in transaction costs.
Un enjeu majeur pour la finance et la crypto
If the SEC approves the proposal, the impact would extend far beyond American investors. Europe, already a pioneer with MiCA, would see an acceleration of the convergence between traditional finance and crypto. For the crypto market itself, the Nasdaq’s arrival would signify an unprecedented legitimization of real-world asset tokenization (RWA).
In September 2025, as Bitcoin and Ethereum seek new catalysts for the next bull run, announcements like these resonate as a strong signal: the bridges between Wall Street and blockchain are no longer a promise but an imminent reality.
