SEC Discusses Tokenization with Nasdaq, DeFi Startups

The SEC’s engagement with Nasdaq and DeFi startups highlights a shift towards a regulated environment for
tokenized securities, fostering potential market growth.

Commissioner Hester Peirce proposes a safe harbor for blockchain
adoption in securities, indicating a forward-looking stance.

“Current barriers create a ‘chicken-and-egg’ problem: few securities are tokenized because few
trading venues exist.”

Read more . Nasdaq calls for an “ATS-Digital” venue under existing registration rules. The Task Force is set on refining a regulatory sandbox approach.

The focus on tokenization is expected to influence financial markets, offering new
investment avenues. Nasdaq’s involvement could significantly impact market dynamics.
The industry anticipates changes, with firms potentially adopting distributed ledger technology to
innovate further.

CTF Memo: Nasdaq and Digital Assets Insights and DeFi startups’ engagement with the SEC could prompt transformative shifts in
financial services, enhancing efficiency and regulatory compliance. The
initiative signals a collaboration between traditional and digital finance sectors. A June
2025 roundtable will delve further into these issues, emphasizing decentralized finance’s role in the future
of securities trading.

Strategic discussions and regulatory proposals aim to balance innovation and investor
protection, potentially encouraging tokenized securities’ broader adoption. By studying international models , the SEC might streamline
the regulatory framework to support technological advancements in securities trading.