Nasdaq Texas, a dedicated listing and trading venue, was recently launched in Dallas to better serve the companies that operate in the Lone Star State. This initiative reinforces Nasdaq's commitment to the region and aims to support businesses that call Texas home. Nasdaq has been active in the area for over two decades, and its presence has led to the listing of more than 200 Texas-based companies.
This identifier signals to stakeholders that the company is in alignment with a state that ranks highly in exports, corporate relocations, and job creation. The venue provides access to Nasdaq's robust global infrastructure. This includes advanced matching engines, investor relations tools, and anti-financial crime technology provided through Verafin. The exchange operates on Nasdaq's global technology platform. This platform supports index products, market data, and services for financial institutions in Texas. Such institutions include those served by Verafin, which operates with over 220 institutions in the state.
Legislative Reforms in Texas
Texas lawmakers have made significant strides in improving corporate governance through recent legislative reforms. Senate Bill 29, enacted in 2025, formalized the business judgment rule by establishing a presumption of good faith. In 2023, Texas created the Texas Business Court, a specialized venue for resolving complex corporate disputes. Another key reform in 2025 was Senate Bill 1057, which raised shareholder proposal thresholds, making governance processes more efficient and robust.
These legislative changes have created a regulatory environment that many companies actively choose to adopt. Ed Knight, Nasdaq Executive Vice Chairman, is also Chair of the Nasdaq Texas Advisory Board. He stated, 'Texas is the embodiment of smart regulation.' The new exchange is designed to support companies that align with Texas's regulatory framework. It also supports companies that align with Texas's forward-looking economic trajectory. Knight further noted that the uniqueness and dynamism of the Texas economy is unequaled. The partnership between Nasdaq and Texas reflects a shared vision for growth and innovation.
The exchange is integrated into a growing financial ecosystem in Texas. This ecosystem is often referred to as 'Y'all Street.' This environment fosters collaboration among various market participants. These participants include issuers, investors, banks, exchanges, and service providers. All work under a regional framework. Nasdaq Texas is central to this ecosystem. It brings the exchange's global capabilities to the local market.
Advisory Board Composition and Role
The Nasdaq Texas Advisory Board is composed of influential leaders in finance, law, and business. These leaders come from both local and national levels. These individuals help ensure that the exchange aligns with Texas values. They also help ensure the exchange supports the state's broader economic goals. Terry Campbell, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Nasdaq, noted that the platform enables Nasdaq to work with state leaders. This enables Nasdaq to work with state leaders on future reforms and growth initiatives. He explained that the state's legislature and governor have been working to improve the business environment in Texas. Nasdaq Texas gives the company a strong platform to collaborate with these leaders. It allows collaboration on new ideas for continued economic momentum.
Nasdaq brings a wealth of experience to the table, including its role as the only exchange to provide testimony on the JOBS Act in both the House and Senate. The company also manages an annual proxy survey in its eighth year and has formed partnerships with key business organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, and the National Association of Manufacturers. Rachel Racz noted that Texas will continue to drive the creation and growth of innovative companies, and the new listing venue ensures these companies have a home for their listings that aligns with their vision for the future.
Sustaining a Strong Capital Market Advantage
Knight emphasized that Texas plays a crucial role in capital formation in the United States. 'Capital markets are not a guaranteed advantage,' he said. 'They must be preserved and handled with care.' Nasdaq Texas aims to help local companies succeed while maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the market system. Racz echoed this sentiment, stating that Nasdaq is committed to being present and active in the regions where it operates. 'We are building the infrastructure necessary to have a world-class capital market system — and we are doing it in partnership with the business community,' she said.
Nasdaq Texas is designed to evolve alongside the ecosystem it serves: a listing venue and regional headquarters at the center of gravity for capital formation in the fastest-growing economy in America. The exchange is positioned to serve as a regional hub, supporting the state's growing financial landscape and reinforcing its role as a leader in capital formation and economic innovation.
