Kraken parent Payward brings tokenized IPO access to retail investors

Payward Services, a Kraken-affiliated company, is launching a program allowing eligible retail investors to access US initial public offerings (IPOs) at the offering price through tokenized shares. By leveraging the xStocks infrastructure, the initiative enables users to express interest in upcoming IPOs and receive 1:1 backed tokenized shares on listing day. This process democratizes access to investment opportunities typically reserved for institutional clients, effectively removing traditional barriers related to geography and net worth. The shares are backed by underlying stock held in custody by a regulated entity, ensuring a secure link between the blockchain-based tokens and traditional financial assets. This development represents a significant step in the broader RWA tokenization movement, which aims to integrate traditional financial products with blockchain infrastructure. With the RWA market reaching $51 billion, this move highlights the growing trend of using onchain settlement to broaden market participation. The first offerings are expected to roll out to Kraken and xStocks Alliance members in the coming weeks, with plans to expand to additional markets over time.