The CEO of Nasdaq Inc. states the company is open to listing cryptocurrencies and has tapped US-based cryptocurrency exchange Gemini to use its SMARTS surveillance technology, which monitors real-time activity and raises alerts with operators when it discovers unusual trading patterns.
The CEO of the second-largest[1] stock exchange by volume, the Nasdaq, has revealed it is open to incorporating cryptocurrencies if the regulatory environment becomes suitable. At the same time, bitcoin exchange Gemini has announced an agreement to use Nasdaq surveillance technology to prevent manipulative trading.
The two key revelations for Nasdaq may signify a turn in the direction of cryptocurrencies for the multibillion-dollar institution. Nasdaq interest in trading cryptocurrencies may be a significant step forward for cryptocurrency markets.
Nasdaq Would Consider Becoming a Cryptocurrency Exchange
Speaking to CNBC on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman confirmed the stock exchange would consider becoming a cryptocurrency exchange. She added that regulatory issues would need to be ironed out first:
"I believe that digital currencies will continue to persist. It's just a matter of how long it will take for that space to mature. Once you look at it and say, 'Do we want to provide a regulated market for this?' Certainly Nasdaq would consider it."
Friedman appeared[2] bullish on cryptocurrencies, but less convinced by initial coin offerings (ICOs), agreeing with tentative indications[3] from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that these might be classified and regulated as securities.
Nasdaq is also exploring the provision of bitcoin-based futures and is involved in a number of blockchain technology projects.
Gemini Teams up with Nasdaq to Protect Against Market Manipulation
Friedman's comments come on the same day that Nasdaq announced a partnership[4] with US-based cryptocurrency exchange Gemini to use
