Nasdaq CEO to Speak on Digital Assets at Ripple Swell 2025

Ripple Swell 2025 just landed one of the biggest names in traditional finance. Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena Friedman will take the stage as a keynote speaker at this year’s flagship event in New York City.

She’ll dive into what’s ahead for the global financial system, the expanding role of blockchain, and how tokenization is starting to reshape markets. Nasdaq’s presence isn’t just symbolic. It’s a sign that big players in traditional finance are paying close attention to what’s happening in crypto and Web3.

A Curated Event for Real Conversations

Ripple Swell has become one of the most anticipated events in crypto. It’s designed to bring regulators, institutions, and innovators into the same room. This year’s edition takes place at Convene Hudson Yards in Manhattan, from November 3 to 5. The two-day conference will feature speakers from Ripple, Citi, BNY, Franklin Templeton, and more.

The agenda promises deep dives into tokenization, payments, stablecoins, compliance, digital asset custody, and tech innovation. Ripple calls it an “exclusive, high-impact experience,” focused on real-world use cases rather than hype. If you’re working on crypto’s future or shaping financial policy, this is where key conversations will happen.

Why Friedman’s Keynote Matters

Adena Friedman has led Nasdaq through some of its most tech-driven years. Her decision to speak at Ripple Swell signals something bigger: crypto is no longer on the sidelines.

Nasdaq has already explored blockchain’s potential behind the scenes. Now, with Friedman joining Swell, the message is clear: traditional finance is getting more serious about digital assets. She’s expected to share her views on how blockchain and tokenization could support a more efficient, inclusive financial system.

Institutions Are Paying Attention

Ripple Swell 2025 will host over 600 attendees from more than 40 countries. It’s not just crypto startups in the room anymore. From regulators to asset managers, more institutional voices are joining these conversations. This year’s lineup reflects that shift.

Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, and Monica Long, its President, will both speak alongside Friedman. Sandy Kaul from Franklin Templeton and Carolyn Weinberg from BNY are also on the agenda. The conversations won’t just be technical; they’ll be about adoption, trust, and what comes next as crypto becomes part of everyday finance.