Nasdaq Seeks to Build Crypto Into Wall Street’s Market Plumbing

Wall Street’s legacy exchanges, including Nasdaq, are integrating crypto infrastructure into traditional finance, aiming to merge the two systems into a 24/7 trading ecosystem. The push reflects a strategic bet that digital assets will become a permanent fixture in global markets, requiring seamless interoperability with conventional trading platforms. Planned upgrades include blockchain-based settlement systems and hybrid trading mechanisms to bridge fiat and crypto liquidity pools by late 2026. Regulatory clarity and institutional demand are driving the initiative, as exchanges seek to capture early-mover advantages in an evolving financial landscape. If successful, the integration could redefine market operations, enabling faster settlements, reduced costs, and continuous trading across asset classes.