Nasdaq has ramped up its scrutiny of public companies aggressively acquiring cryptocurrencies and issuing new shares to fund these deals, according to market participants cited by The Information.
The exchange is reportedly imposing stricter oversight, potentially requiring shareholder votes on such transactions. Failure to comply with these rules could lead to trading suspensions or even delisting of a company’s shares.
This shift comes in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidency and a perceived softening of federal regulatory oversight. With agencies like the SEC stepping back, Nasdaq — through its own listing standards — has emerged as the primary gatekeeper for monitoring these companies’ crypto-related moves.
The exchange’s heightened role raises questions about whether this is a genuine effort to protect investors or a strategic move to assert dominance in a rapidly evolving market.
Experts interviewed by the outlet estimate that since the start of 2025, 124 U.S. public companies have announced plans to raise over $133 billion for cryptocurrency purchases. Of these, 94 are listed on Nasdaq, while 17 trade on the NYSE. Both exchanges declined to comment, leaving the industry buzzing with speculation.
Also read:
- Factory Workers, Brace Yourselves: 20-Year-Old OnlyFans Star Sophie Rain Rakes in $82 Million
- The True Value of Cloud Storage Analytics for Modern Companies
- A New Leap Toward Brain-on-a-Chip: Electro-Optical Neurons Bridge the Gap
Market participants warn that this tightened control could delay deal approvals, a critical concern in a volatile market. With crypto prices on the rise and potential regulatory crackdowns looming, speed is of the essence for these firms. The move might protect shareholders from risky ventures, but it could also stifle innovation, forcing companies to navigate a tighter squeeze between opportunity and compliance.
