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Nasdaq

Institution · Exchange operator

Nasdaq is a US exchange operator moving its tokenisation work into a dedicated division, Digital Liquidity Networks, led by Roland Chai, following its agreement to acquire LeveL Markets, the third-largest US alternative trading system (ATS), announced 12 August 2026. The division consolidates Nasdaq's existing tokenisation and digital-asset technology work, including the option to settle Nasdaq trades as DTC tokens once the DTCC's Tokenization Service launches in October 2026, the Boerse Stuttgart Group Seturion tokenised structured-products partnership in Europe, and Nasdaq Calypso's collateral-mobility work.

Named products and pilots

  • LeveL Markets acquisition (12 Aug 2026). Nasdaq agreed to acquire LeveL Markets, an ATS with 2,500 institutional clients and average daily volume up 56% year over year in 2025. Nasdaq has held a strategic minority stake in LeveL since 2021. LeveL continues operating as a standalone entity under the new Digital Liquidity Networks division.
  • DTC token settlement option. Expected to go live alongside the DTCC's Tokenization Service launch in October 2026.
  • Seturion partnership. Tokenised structured products trading across 7 European venues, via Boerse Stuttgart Group, overseen by Roland Chai.
  • Nasdaq Calypso. Technology arm work on tokenisation for collateral mobility.

Regulatory perimeter

Nasdaq operates as a registered US national securities exchange under SEC oversight. Its tokenisation push sits alongside the SEC's own tokenised-securities innovation exemption work, still delayed as of August 2026 (see united states).

Open questions

  • Whether the LeveL Markets acquisition closes before the DTCC's October 2026 tokenised-Treasury settlement launch, and whether that timing affects which venues get first access.
  • Whether Nasdaq's and NYSE's digital-asset strategies are converging, as the LeveL acquisition suggests.