Nasdaq CEO says tokenization could unlock tens of billions in trapped collateral capital

Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman said tokenizing assets such as Treasurys, equities and money market funds, along with the flow of money, could free up tens of billions of dollars in capital tied up as collateral across the global financial system.

She said moving markets to 24/7 trading would require real-time risk and collateral management, with Nasdaq launching AI agents within its risk platform that initially provide recommendations.

Friedman added that not every asset is liquid enough to support round-the-clock trading.