Technology
Nasdaq Edges Toward Tokenized Trading
Nasdaq partners with Kraken’s parent company to develop a platform for tokenized equities, aiming to reshape financial infrastructure by 2027.
Author: Mark Townsend
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Capital Raising & Corporate Finance
Abu Dhabi Power Play: L’Imad Emerges As $300 Billion Sovereign Force
Abu Dhabi consolidates ADQ into L’Imad, creating $300 billion sovereign powerhouse under crown prince as emirate centralizes control over strategic investments.
Banking
State Street Debuts Digital Asset Platform
Custody giant State Street, which oversees about $52 trillion in assets under custody and administration, has launched a Digital Assets Platform as banks respond to surging customer demand for tokenized products.
Economics, Policy & Regulation
Saudi Arabia Turns to Fahad Al-Saif As Vision 2030 Faces Reality Check
Saudi Arabia appoints Fahad Al-Saif as investment minister, signaling a pragmatic shift away from costly megaprojects.
Technology
NYSE Plans Tokenized 24/7 Trading
The NYSE is building a blockchain-powered platform for 24/7 trading and instant settlement of tokenized securities, aiming to modernize global capital markets and challenge traditional trading hubs.
Technology
Ripple Nears Banking License
Crypto firm Ripple has been granted conditional approval in its bid to secure a national trust bank charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)—the US federal regulator that supervises national banks and federal savings associations.
Capital Raising & Corporate Finance
OpenAI: Disney’s Billion-Dollar Partner
Disney announced a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI, a development that is likely to send shockwaves through the US creative industry.
Capital Raising & Corporate Finance
Tougher H-1B Visa Stance Spells Global Change
President Donald Trump is pushing back against longstanding US immigration rules.
Banking
Ripple In Banking License Push
Crypto company Ripple has applied to US regulators for a national bank charter, as the distinction between digital asset firms and traditional financial institutions becomes increasingly blurred.
Capital Raising & Corporate Finance
United Kingdom: Capital Markets Flounder
The state of the United Kingdom’s capital markets is perilous. IPO activity has fallen to its lowest levels in 30-years.
Economics, Policy & Regulation
Saudi Arabia: Liberalizing The Real Estate Market
Starting January 2026, Saudi Arabia will permit foreigners to buy and own property in designated zones, reversing longstanding restrictions to attract more foreign investment.
Economics, Policy & Regulation
Russia Skirts Sanctions Using Bitcoin
Efforts by the West to punish Russia using an array of sanctions are being undermined as Russian companies increasingly use...