Nasdaq & NYSE Tokenize Stocks, Partner with Crypto Exchanges

Wall Street giants embrace blockchain technology to transform equity markets

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:53am

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The world's largest stock exchanges, including Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), are actively exploring ways to bring the $126 trillion equity market onto blockchain technology. They are partnering with crypto exchanges like Kraken and OKX to develop frameworks for issuing blockchain-based versions of publicly listed company shares, aiming to preserve existing ownership rights and governance structures.

Why it matters

This strategic shift signals a major transformation in the finance industry, as traditional exchanges recognize the potential of blockchain technology to create a unified, always-on marketplace capable of settling all financial assets in tokenized form. The move towards tokenized stocks could unlock greater efficiency, liquidity, and capital access in the equity markets.

The details

Nasdaq is collaborating with Kraken's parent company Payward to develop a framework for issuing blockchain-based shares, potentially launching in the first half of 2027. Simultaneously, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the owner of the NYSE, has made a $25 billion strategic investment in crypto exchange OKX to facilitate the launch of new tokenized stocks and crypto futures. These developments indicate that major exchanges are actively participating in the evolution towards a blockchain-based 'everything exchange' where all assets can be traded and settled on a unified platform.

  • In the past week, Nasdaq and the NYSE have announced major partnerships and investments in the crypto space.
  • Nasdaq's collaboration with Kraken aims to launch blockchain-based shares in the first half of 2027.
  • ICE's $25 billion investment in OKX was revealed this week.

The players

Nasdaq

One of the world's largest stock exchanges, actively exploring ways to bring equities onto blockchain technology.

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

The largest stock exchange in the world, owned by Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), which has made a strategic investment in crypto exchange OKX.

Payward

The parent company of crypto exchange Kraken, partnering with Nasdaq to develop a framework for issuing blockchain-based shares.

OKX

A major crypto exchange that has received a $25 billion strategic investment from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the owner of the NYSE.

Antoine Scalia

Founder and CEO of Cryptio, who describes the emergence of the 'everything exchange' where all assets can be traded and settled on a unified blockchain platform.

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What they’re saying

“These developments point towards a future where markets function differently. For decades, stocks, bonds, and funds have operated on separate systems with limited trading hours. Blockchain technology promises a unified, always-on marketplace capable of settling all financial assets in tokenized form.”

— Antoine Scalia, Founder and CEO of Cryptio

“The key is that major exchanges are now actively participating in this evolution, moving beyond the narrative previously driven by the crypto community. Scalia believes this signals a realization that all assets will eventually settle on blockchain rails.”

— Antoine Scalia, Founder and CEO of Cryptio

What’s next

The development of tokenized stocks on blockchain platforms is expected to continue, with the potential for further partnerships and investments between traditional exchanges and crypto-native platforms. Regulatory clarity from the SEC will be crucial in shaping the growth and adoption of this new asset class.

The takeaway

The entry of giants like Nasdaq and NYSE into the world of tokenized stocks signals a significant shift in the finance industry, as traditional exchanges recognize the potential of blockchain technology to create a more efficient, liquid, and accessible equity market. This collaboration between Wall Street and the crypto space could unlock new opportunities for investors and businesses alike.