Nasdaq Seeks SEC Approval for Tokenized Stocks That May Enhance Chainlink’s Role in On‑Chain Equity Markets

• Nasdaq requested SEC approval to list native tokenized stocks that mirror traditional shareholder rights.

• Existing tokenized offerings (xStocks, Robinhood, Ondo) are currently derivatives that do not convey dividends or voting rights.

• Analysts and policy drafters expect tokenized stocks to expand institutional on‑chain asset activity significantly.

Meta description: Nasdaq tokenized stocks: Nasdaq asks the SEC to approve native on‑chain stocks that give holders the same rights as traditional shareholders. Read more.

What are Nasdaq tokenized stocks?

Nasdaq tokenized stocks are proposed native on‑chain securities that Nasdaq says will give holders the same legal rights and identification (CUSIP) as traditional shares. Nasdaq has formally asked the SEC for approval to list and facilitate trading of these tokenized securities on public blockchains.

How will Nasdaq tokenized stocks differ from current tokenized offerings?

Current market products from companies such as Coinbase, Robinhood, Backed Finance’s xStocks, Remora Markets and Ondo are wrappers or derivatives that track stocks or ETFs but do not pass through legal shareholder rights. Nasdaq’s proposal aims to ensure tokenized shares trade as regular securities with identical order entry, execution rules, and investor protections.

Expert perspective: Tal Cohen, President of Nasdaq, says the structure will “safeguard both investors’ rights and the systemic stability of our markets through tested, resilient infrastructure.” Nasdaq VP Chuck Mack added that tokenized shares would carry the same identification number (CUSIP) and rights as their traditional counterparts.

Source: LinkedIn

Why does Nasdaq want on‑chain native stocks?

Nasdaq views tokenized stocks as a way to modernize market infrastructure, increase settlement efficiency, and enable new product features such as automated dividend distribution or on‑chain voting. The firm argues that native tokenized securities can co‑exist with traditional listings while maintaining regulatory compliance and investor protections.

What are the regulatory and market implications?

U.S. policy developments, including a Senate market‑structure draft treating tokenized stocks as securities, align with Nasdaq’s proposal and supportive comments from some SEC commissioners. Industry experts, including Chainlink’s Head of Public Policy Adam Minehardt, predict tokenized assets could scale into the trillions and become a major on‑chain market narrative.

How do tokenized wrappers compare to Nasdaq’s native tokenized stocks?

Market signals: Under a pro‑crypto U.S. administration, TradFi firms are accelerating blockchain integration. Senate policy drafts and some SEC commentary have increased clarity, making institutional adoption more feasible.

Source: X

When could tokenized stocks become widely available?

Availability depends on SEC approval and implementation timelines by exchanges and custodians. If the SEC approves Nasdaq’s proposal without major modifications, pilot trading could follow regulatory and operational readiness phases within the next 12–24 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will tokenized stocks allow dividends and voting on‑chain?

Yes. Nasdaq’s proposal intends to grant tokenized holders the same rights as traditional shareholders, enabling on‑chain dividend distributions and voting mechanics where legally and operationally feasible.

Are tokenized stocks the same as stablecoins?

No. Tokenized stocks represent ownership in equities and carry regulatory securities characteristics, whereas stablecoins are digital currencies pegged to assets or fiat for value stability.

Key Takeaways

• Regulatory alignment: Nasdaq has asked the SEC to treat native tokenized stocks as regular securities with CUSIPs and investor protections.
• Market impact: Native tokenized stocks could accelerate institutional on‑chain asset activity and new on‑chain shareholder features.
• Next steps: SEC review, pilot programs and custodian readiness will determine timing; industry watchers expect developments in the coming 12–24 months.

Conclusion

Nasdaq’s SEC filing to list native tokenized stocks marks a pivotal moment in blending blockchain with traditional equities markets. If approved, tokenized stocks could offer compliant, on‑chain ownership with familiar investor protections—potentially reshaping settlement, corporate actions, and market participation. Watch filings and SEC guidance for the next milestones.