After discontinuing its crypto custody initiative, Nasdaq redirected its efforts towards tokenizing U.S. Treasuries. However, this strategic shift was perceived as too slow by some former employees, according to an insider. The halting or abandonment of several cryptocurrency projects at Nasdaq, including an unreported attempt to tokenize U.S. Treasury bills, has resulted in departures from the company’s digital assets team, according to three knowledgeable sources.
In July, Nasdaq announced it would cease pursuing a license to be a custodian of crypto or digital assets, citing regulatory uncertainties in the U.S. Instead, it discreetly moved towards tokenizing T-bills—creating blockchain-based versions of U.S. debt—as reported by a person familiar with the situation. Despite this strategic pivot, several members of Nasdaq’s crypto team have left the company. The exact number of departures and whether layoffs were a factor remain unclear. Some of the departing employees have joined firms with more aggressive crypto expansion plans, whereas Nasdaq is deliberately taking a cautious approach to integrating into the industry, as mentioned by one insider.
Nasdaq did not provide any comments on its tokenization strategy or the departures of its staff.
The financial industry is experiencing a surge in creating blockchain-based versions of traditional assets. For example, BlackRock, a major asset management firm, is heavily investing in this trend with its BUIDL platform. This reflects a broader movement within the financial sector to adapt traditional financial instruments to blockchain technology, driven by a desire to leverage the benefits of this innovative approach. These benefits include increased transparency, faster transaction times, and reduced costs associated with traditional financial transactions. However, Nasdaq’s methodical and slower approach contrasts with the rapid advancements seen in other firms, highlighting the varied strategies within the industry regarding the adoption and implementation of blockchain technology.
Nasdaq’s cautious approach may reflect a strategic decision to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory standards and to avoid the pitfalls faced by early adopters. By taking its time, Nasdaq may be positioning itself for more sustainable and compliant long-term growth in the digital assets space, even as competitors race ahead with more immediate implementations.
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