Joris Delanoue Discusses Nasdaq’s Tokenized Equity Initiative

Joris Delanoue, CEO and co-founder of Fairmint, spoke to crypto.news about the ramifications of Nasdaq’s tokenized equity push.

Summary

• Nasdaq’s SEC filing marks a turning point for tokenized securities.
• Global investors could gain easier access to Nasdaq securities.
• DeFi must provide compelling alternatives to compete.

Nasdaq has quietly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a license to issue tokenized stocks. This move could reshape how securities are traded, marking a significant milestone for tokenized equities.

To delve deeper into the implications of this development, crypto.news interviewed Joris Delanoue, CEO and co-founder of Fairmint, which enables companies to issue tokenized equities. He discussed the significance of the filing and whether decentralized finance (DeFi) can effectively compete with Nasdaq.

The Significance of Nasdaq’s SEC Filing

crypto.news: What is the significance of Nasdaq’s SEC filing?
Joris Delanoue: Nasdaq’s filing is pivotal in the evolution of equity markets, showcasing a future where equity ownership is increasingly digital, programmable, and efficient. While this move might not trigger immediate changes across all exchanges, Nasdaq’s leadership is expected to inspire others to explore tokenized securities, reflecting a major shift towards modernization and digital securities.

Can DeFi Firms Compete with Nasdaq?

CN: Can DeFi firms compete with Nasdaq’s tokenized equities?
JD: DeFi firms can present compelling alternatives but differ in their tokenization approach. Platforms like Robinhood or Kraken offer tokenized shares that represent claims on shares held by intermediaries, not true ownership.

True tokenization embeds ownership and rights directly in smart contracts, with the security on-chain. Fairmint exemplifies this model, having issued over $1B of equity directly on-chain.

Will Nasdaq’s Filing Enhance Global Access to Tokenized Stocks?

CN: Will Nasdaq’s filing improve global access to tokenized stocks?
JD: If Nasdaq establishes a foundation of standardization and regulatory-focused infrastructure, it will enhance global access by allowing tokenized assets to be seamlessly distributed across decentralized platforms, exchanges, and DeFi protocols. This could increase accessibility to Nasdaq-listed stocks for global investors, contributing to a more open, efficient financial system. As tokenized equities gain momentum, they may offer greater liquidity and broader participation from investors around the world, particularly as the infrastructure evolves.

Read more: Solana’s tokenized stocks push could be more than a memecoin makeover