NASDAQ is a global electronic marketplace, or stock exchange, for trading securities on an automatic computer network. The acronym from which it derives its name originally denoted "National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations.” Its affairs are overseen by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Investors can publicly trade in excess of 3,300 companies on the NASDAQ exchange. The NASDAQ is known for its focus on high-tech companies. Many of the world's technology titans are listed on it.