Nasdaq has enacted a rule requiring shareholder votes before issuing stock for crypto asset purchases, resulting in the pause of over $132 billion in planned transactions.
New Nasdaq Rule
Nasdaq has introduced a rule mandating companies to conduct shareholder votes prior to issuing stock for crypto asset purchases. This decision impacts over $132 billion in prospective transactions. The rule was established by Nasdaq's board led by President and CEO Adena Friedman.
Market Impact
The immediate effect of this new rule is a halt in Digital Asset Treasury strategies, significantly affecting firms' fundraising capabilities. Stock prices of involved companies initially fell, then experienced slight recovery. The crypto market also saw declines in BTC, ETH, and the Nasdaq Crypto Index, although these assets have partially recovered.
Historical Precedents and Future
Historical data indicates that companies have previously adjusted in face of regulatory scrutiny, often leading to short-term volatility followed by stabilization. This rule may have long-term implications for the regulatory and financial landscape within the cryptocurrency industry.
Recent changes to Nasdaq's rules could significantly alter companies' approaches to crypto assets and impact their financial stability, while also creating volatility in the markets.