Adena Friedman

Adena Friedman became CEO of Nasdaq in 2017, becoming the first female CEO of a major US stock exchange. Under her leadership, Nasdaq has accelerated its transformation from a traditional exchange into a diversified financial technology company. She has overseen major acquisitions including Verafin (financial crime management) and technology contracts with global exchanges. Friedman has been a vocal advocate for diversity, technology innovation in markets, and the role of exchanges in supporting capital formation for startup companies. Her strategic vision has positioned Nasdaq's market technology division as a major revenue contributor, with the firm's anti-financial crime technology, regulatory solutions, and market surveillance software generating significant subscription income from financial institutions and regulators globally.