Nasdaq is partnering with cryptocurrency exchange Kraken to develop a system for issuing and trading tokenized versions of public stocks and other exchange-traded products. This initiative aims to bring blockchain infrastructure into traditional financial markets, with a planned launch in early 2027.
Tokenized shares will offer investors the same corporate governance rights as traditional stockholders, including dividend payments and proxy voting. Nasdaq plans to automate these corporate actions through blockchain technology, enhancing efficiency.
Kraken will serve as the distribution partner, making one-to-one tokenized versions of public company shares available to its customers outside the United States, with a focus on European and other international markets.
This collaboration follows Nasdaq's September filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, seeking approval to trade tokenized versions of its listed stocks and ETFs alongside conventional shares. The exchange operator ICE recently made a significant investment in crypto exchange OKX, signaling further integration of digital assets and traditional finance.