EXCLUSIVE: EDX Markets' Jeanine Hightower-Sellitto On Bridging TradFi And Crypto

In a panel at Benzinga’s Digital Assets Conference, the spotlight was on blending the stability of traditional finance (TradFi) with the emerging crypto sector.

Marex’s Brooks Dudley moderated an illuminating discussion with Jeanine Hightower-Sellitto, chief commercial, and strategy officer at EDX Markets. Their conversation focused on applying TradFi’s trusted principles to the rapidly evolving crypto environment.

The TradFi Approach to Crypto

Hightower-Sellitto opened with a clear message: We must bring the best of TradFi to crypto.

“I like to say we like to make crypto boring in that all the principles investors enjoy in traditional markets should be enabled for them in the crypto space today,” she noted. This strategy aims to replicate investor confidence and stability in traditional markets within the more volatile crypto world.

Addressing Crypto’s Market Challenges

Delving deeper, Hightower-Sellitto highlighted the crypto market’s need for transparency, liquidity, and customer protections—elements often taken for granted in TradFi.

“Some of the challenges we see… are focused on spot today. These are sort of hallmarks that we take for granted in traditional markets. I look forward to bringing these to the crypto space for investors and institutions here today,” she explained.

Hightower-Sellitto’s comments underscored the importance of integrating these foundational principles to enhance the safety and functionality of crypto trading.

Reimagining Crypto Market Structures

Hightower-Sellitto also discussed the structural differences between crypto markets and traditional exchanges. “We’re differentiating because we look much more like the New York Stock Exchange than we do like a vertically integrated crypto market like Coinbase or even Gemini,” she said. This statement highlights the unique development of the crypto market. The conversion suggests adopting a more traditional market structure could benefit the sector.

Hightower-Sellitto provided a roadmap for merging the reliability of TradFi with the innovative spirit of crypto. Her perspective offers guidance for creating a secure, transparent, and efficient environment in the crypto world.

Now Read: Bitcoin Ecosystem Set For Remarkable Growth In 2024

Image: EDX Markets