Nasdaq

Activities:

The primary activity of Nasdaq is the operation of global financial markets, notably the renowned American stock exchange of the same name. Nasdaq offers a wide range of products and services, including:

• Listing and trading of stocks, options, ETFs, funds, indices, cryptocurrencies, currencies and bonds across multiple markets (U.S. and European).
• Technology solutions for financial markets, including trading platforms, surveillance and risk management tools, as well as regulatory compliance solutions.
• Governance, sustainability (ESG) and investor relations solutions for listed or growing companies.

Nasdaq primarily serves institutional and retail investors, companies seeking to raise capital on public or private markets, as well as financial sector participants (banks, brokers, asset managers, regulators, etc.).

Nasdaq, Inc. was founded in 1971 as the world’s first electronic stock exchange, revolutionizing the financial sector by introducing automated stock trading. Since its creation, the company has experienced several key stages of development:

• Creation (1971): Launch of Nasdaq (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations), the first electronic quotation platform, facilitating transparency and speed in transactions.
• Product development: Nasdaq expanded its offering with flagship indices such as the Nasdaq-100, derivatives, market data solutions, and technology services for financial markets.
• Internationalization: Expansion into European and global markets, now covering 18 markets, a clearinghouse, and four central securities depositories, with around 4,000 listed companies.
• Partnerships and acquisitions: Nasdaq has acquired and integrated numerous technology and exchange companies to strengthen its solutions in fintech, risk management, market surveillance, and business intelligence.
• Strategic changes: The company has evolved from a simple exchange to a global provider of technology, data, and services for financial markets, companies, and institutional investors.
• Continuous innovation: Nasdaq invests in technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, while developing solutions for corporate governance, ESG, and investor relations management.

Today, Nasdaq is a major global player, recognized for its role in financial innovation, market technology, and supporting companies in their growth.

The founder of Nasdaq is Gordon Macklin, who was the organization’s first president at its creation in 1971. Nasdaq is now led by an experienced management team. The current President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is Adena Friedman, who has held the position since 2017. Other key members of the executive team include Ann Dennison (Chief Financial Officer), Tal Cohen (President, Market Platforms), and Bryan Smith (Chief People Officer). These leaders play a key role in the strategy and management of the company, which is one of the world’s leading stock exchanges specializing in technology securities.