Nasdaq Halts Plan for Crypto Custody Service due to U.S. Regulatory Conditions

Nasdaq (NDAQ) is dropping its plans for a crypto custody service, which was planned to go live in the second quarter of this year, CEO Adena Friedman said in an earnings call.

In March, the operator of the Nasdaq stock exchange, had said that it was putting together the infrastructure and regulatory approval needed for a crypto custody service.

The firm had applied to the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) for a limited-purpose trust company, which would oversee the custody business.

Nasdaq's move is a blow to institutional adoption of crypto in the U.S., where regulators appear to be targeting crypto firms and related services.