Nasdaq to Launch Crypto Custody Services for Institutions

Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) has jumped into the cryptocurrency space with the launch of a digital asset services business that will initially offer custody solutions, the company announced on Tuesday.

Dubbed Nasdaq Digital Assets, the platform is considering incorporating "liquidity and execution services" as well. However, the company does have any immediate plans to launch crypto trading services and the decision will be finalized based on the regulatory landscape and industry competition.

“The technology that underpins the digital asset ecosystem has the potential to transform markets over the long-term. To deliver on that opportunity, our focus will be to provide institutional-grade solutions that bring greater liquidity, integrity and transparency to support the evolution,” Adena Friedman, the President and CEO of Nasdaq, said.

Increasing Institutional Demand

Nasdaq is a major name in the traditional finance industry. It operates a major public stock exchange, listing America’s top companies.

Meanwhile, Nasdaq is not the first Wall Street giant to launch crypto-specific services. BNY Mellon, Fidelity, JPMorgan and several others are directly or indirectly involved with crypto businesses.

The push was mostly driven by the increasing demand for digital assets among institutions.

“Demand among institutional investors for engaging in digital assets has increased in recent years, and Nasdaq is well-positioned to accelerate broader adoption and drive sustainable growth,” said Nasdaq’s Executive Vice President and Head of North American Markets, Tal Cohen.

Nasdaq entered the market when there was a downturn in the crypto industry. Bitcoin is trading below $19,000 apiece compared to its all-time peak of $68,000 while the prices of Ethereum failed to drag upward despite its much-anticipated Merge event, which is its change from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake.

The stock market operator already provides marketplace technology for digital asset exchanges, crypto-native anti-financial crime offerings and crypto-related index solutions for tradable products.

“As the world of digital assets evolves and converges with traditional finance, it is crucial to provide the necessary portfolio of technology solutions designed to safeguard participants across the financial ecosystem,” said Jamie King, Nasdaq’s Executive Vice President and Head of Anti-Financial Crime.