Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman is optimistic about cryptocurrencies, although she says the "jury is still in disagreement" over which particular currency or symbol will ultimately experience mass adoption.
Speaking about the latest episode of CNN's Boss Files podcast, Friedman said that cryptocurrencies feel like the "right next step in the coin space" because a "globalized payment mechanism" is a natural choice for the digital economy behind borders. .
Friedman stated :
"How it evolves and which of the cryptocoins may or may not be the one that finally embraces, I think the jury is really still deliberating on that. But I think the idea of a more globalized payment mechanism, which is more efficient than what we have today, allows money to be transferred across countries and no doubt supports the Internet economy. "
As CCN reported, Friedman has said in the past that Nasdaq is exploring the launch of a Bitcoin futures product designed to function as a long-term investment, and has also expressed an inclination to open an exchange of cryptocurrencies in the future, a Once the market is more mature.
In another part of the interview, Friedman praised the promise of the blockchain technology, explaining that "it eliminates many system risks and therefore makes the banks do not have to need so much capital. And that is a great incentive. "
That said, do not expect blockchain technology to transform the financial system overnight. She said she anticipates that it will happen gradually, first in markets characterized by less regulation or high levels of inefficiency.
"The first uses of the block chain will be in less regulated markets, less efficient markets and more personalized markets. Prove it, prove it works, demonstrate efficiency in the Nasdaq private market or in the fund industry, "said Friedman. "It takes a lot of people to make it work, but people will be very motivated if we show that use cases bring a lot of efficiency."
These people, he added, include government regulators, and how they respond to this incipient, but flourishing, field will have a profound impact on their development.
"Are governments going to start embracing him? Or will they still have it outside the scope of their supervision? That is the real question that has not yet been answered, "Friedman concluded. "I think technology is fascinating and it's a very solid technology. It's just a matter of making sure that the community embraces him, all together. "