Nasdaq (NASDAQ:NDAQ) is a global financial technology company that operates a network of stock exchanges and provides a suite of trading, clearing, exchange technology, regulatory, securities listing, information, and public company services. Best known for the Nasdaq Stock Market, the company also oversees markets in Europe through its Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic platforms, and supports private company trading via Nasdaq Private Market. Its technology-driven infrastructure underpins electronic trading and post-trade services, enabling market participants to execute transactions, manage risk, and ensure regulatory compliance on a unified platform.
Beyond its core exchange operations, Nasdaq offers market data products and analytics that deliver real-time and historical information on equities, derivatives, fixed income, and commodities. Through its Market Technology division, the company licenses trading and surveillance systems to over 100 marketplaces and fintech firms globally. Nasdaq’s Corporate Solutions branch provides investor relations, governance, communications, and ESG reporting tools that help public and private companies meet regulatory requirements and engage with shareholders. Additionally, the firm develops and maintains proprietary indices, including the widely followed Nasdaq-100, which serve as benchmarks for exchange-traded funds and institutional portfolios.
Established in 1971 as the world’s first electronic stock market, Nasdaq revolutionized capital markets by replacing traditional floor trading with a fully automated system. The company is headquartered in New York City and maintains regional offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. Since January 2017, Adena Friedman has served as President and Chief Executive Officer, guiding Nasdaq’s expansion into technology services and data analytics. Under her leadership, the firm has pursued strategic acquisitions and partnerships aimed at enhancing digital marketplace solutions and supporting the evolving needs of global investors and issuers.
