Nasdaq 'Would Consider' Creating a Crypto Exchange, Says CEO

The CEO of Nasdaq suggested Wednesday that the company could open a cryptocurrency exchange in the future.

The subject came up in an interview with CNBC, during which CEO Adena Friedman expressed openness to the idea.

"If we do look at it and say 'it's time, people are ready for a more regulated market,' for something that provides a fair experience for investors... 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."

While Nasdaq is unlikely to launch such a service anytime soon, the company is no stranger to the tech itself.

In addition to playing home to several blockchain-focused ETFs as well as public companies that are focused on the technology, Nasdaq has a long-standing relationship with blockchain startup Chain.

As previously reported, the company has worked on technology applications, as demonstrated through patent filings.

The company was awarded a patent in October for a data-matching system that employs blockchain as a means to track trades and clearing positions.

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