Nasdaq Leaders Talk Economic Outlook and Cutting Complexity at Davos

The theme of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, this year was “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.” Nasdaq executives in attendance spoke authoritatively on this topic, sharing their views on their 2025 outlooks and solutions to help solve the increasing complexities that companies within the financial system must face.

“There’s an enormous amount of complexity that’s been brought into the world.” said Nasdaq’s Chair and CEO Adena Friedman at the World Economic Forum’s panel The Future of Growth. “There’s a huge amount that you can do in smart regulation that allows and actually unleashes growth.” said Friedman.
 

In their panel discussions, interviews, and media conversations, Chair and CEO Adena Friedman, Presidents Tal Cohen and Nelson Griggs, Executive Vice Chairman Edward Knight, and Executive Vice Presidents Sarah Youngwood and Valerie Bannert-Thurner discussed economic competitiveness amid the change in U.S. administration, fragmented European policy priorities and mounting complexity facing financial institutions worldwide.

Nasdaq’s prominent presence at the conference included an executive breakfast with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where they unveiled their joint report, “The New Growth Imperative: Cutting Through Complexity in the Financial System.” The gathering brought together industry leaders to explore risk management and growth strategies in an evolving global landscape.
 

Additionally, Nasdaq hosted various events at Nasdaq Basecamp including a media and corporate affairs networking reception, breakfast roundtable with The Economist examining digital economy dynamics and fireside chat featuring Olympic champion Simone Biles and CNBC's Sara Eisen. The financial technology company also organized a CEO luncheon with Teneo and Manchester United, as well as a banking leaders' happy hour in collaboration with the Institute of International Finance (IIF).
 

Throughout these events, Nasdaq executives hammered on three critical themes. First, they spoke about global economic conditions, particularly focusing on U.S. and European markets, capital markets, IPOs and trading prospects. Second, the leadership team outlined strategic approaches for contending with an environment of heightened national and regional competitiveness and increasing demands for megatrend investments. Third, executives addressed the growing complexity of the global financial system and how many companies have become overly complicated in response. 

The leaders shared how Nasdaq is well-suited to help others navigate these multifaceted challenges today.