Nasdaq spokesperson declines to comment on rumor that it discouraged companies from tokenizing
A Nasdaq spokesperson on October 29, 2026, declined to comment on claims that its representatives urged listed companies not to tokenize their shares through OKXICE. The spokesperson reiterated that Nasdaq plans not to participate in venues operating under the SEC’s innovation exemption framework, saying it does not believe those venues are the best path for tokenization.
The spokesperson said that Nasdaq remains committed to tokenization and is actively building that future through Nasdaq Equity Token. The model is issuer-centered and brings the benefits of tokenization into the existing market framework. The exchange again denied any connection to this week’s Wall Street Journal advertisement, saying it had not authorized the ad to use or link to its FAQ, including through its QR code.
Earlier reports said that OKXICE, the joint venture between OKX and Intercontinental Exchange, had informed the SEC that it plans to operate a tokenized securities venue under the innovation exemption and is seeking to trade tokenized versions of multiple U.S. stocks. Several companies have objected. Nasdaq had previously said publicly that it was concerned about tokenized stocks trading outside traditional market structures, and it is working with Kraken to advance its own Equity Token model, which is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2027.
The above are the spokesperson’s remarks and public background in the reporting by the journalist.
Original source:
Title: A Nasdaq spokesperson declined to comment on claims... Publisher: Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) Publication date: 2026-10-29 URL: https://x.com/EleanorTerrett/status/2115901962285633904 Source nature: journalist original post Verification status: the main post and quoted content were read this time, verification date 2026-10-29 Supporting content: the spokesperson declined to comment on the specific claim, reiterated its position, the quote, and denial of authorization for the WSJ ad
Title: Really interesting scoop from my co-host... Publisher: Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) Publication date: 2026-10-29 URL: https://x.com/EleanorTerrett/status/2115888580765593671 Source nature: journalist original post Verification status: read this time, verification date 2026-10-29 Supporting content: earlier reporting about Nasdaq representatives discouraging it, background on the number of objecting companies, Nasdaq’s public position, and its own model
ABAB AI Insight
Nasdaq, through a spokesperson, clearly distinguishes its own path to tokenization from a Tokenized Securities Venue (TSV) under the SEC’s innovation exemption. The spokesperson describes Nasdaq Equity Token as an issuer-centered model that is integrated into the existing market framework and says the exchange does not participate in venues under the exemption framework. This statement is consistent with Nasdaq’s earlier public concerns: if tokenized stocks trade outside traditional market structures, they may lack real-time best bid and offer and consolidated market data reporting.
OKXICE, the venue jointly owned by OKX and ICE, has filed notice under the innovation exemption and plans to offer tokenized trading for multiple U.S. stocks. Several issuers have objected. Nasdaq, as an exchange operator and also an issuer of its own shares, is choosing not to enter such venues and instead is advancing an Equity Token in cooperation with Kraken, with a planned launch in the second quarter of 2027. The result is that tokenization of the same security can follow either an issuer-controlled path within the existing framework or a third-party venue path under the exemption, while issuers may object during the notice period.
The spokesperson declined to comment on the specific claim that it had urged companies to do so, and denied any authorization relationship with The Wall Street Journal advertisement. The public information is primarily based on the journalist’s paraphrased spokesperson remarks, and the exchange did not confirm the details of the internal communications.
ABAB News · Law of cognition
The exchange limits tokenization to an issuer-centered existing market framework, while not entering third-party venues under the exemption framework.
Issuers may object to third-party tokenization venues, making the tokenization path for the same stock depend on whether the issuer agrees.
Existing exchanges and crypto joint ventures are advancing tokenization in parallel, but the former emphasizes incorporation into traditional market structures, while the latter relies on the innovation exemption.