K

Kraken

kraken.com →60 stories in our coverage

Exchange and custodian; issuer of tokenized equities (xStocks).

18 open roles at Kraken

Kraken in the news

Kraken launches xStocks vaults with yields on tokenized stocks
Stocks

Kraken launches xStocks vaults with yields on tokenized stocks

Kraken has introduced three xStocks vaults, enabling eligible non-U.S. customers to earn variable yields on tokenized versions of Nvidia shares (NVDAx) and two U.S.-listed ETFs (SPYx and QQQx). These vaults utilize a complex DeFi strategy where deposited assets are moved from Kraken’s Ink layer-2 network to Solana, where they serve as collateral in the Kamino lending market. The generated yields, currently estimated at 2% for SPYx and QQQx and 1.8% for NVDAx, are reinvested into the vault balance after a 25% performance fee. This product highlights the growing trend of bridging traditional equity exposure with decentralized finance yield-generation mechanisms. However, the vaults carry significant risks, including potential liquidation, cross-chain execution failures, and the lack of traditional shareholder rights like voting or dividends. Kraken emphasizes that these tokens are not equivalent to brokerage-held securities and are not insured by government programs. The launch underscores Kraken's ongoing expansion into on-chain securities infrastructure following its previous initiatives with xStocks and planned acquisitions in the sector.

crypto.newsAdded: Sep 14, 20267.5
Kraken Launches xStocks Vaults That Borrow Against Tokenized Equities
Stocks

Kraken Launches xStocks Vaults That Borrow Against Tokenized Equities

Kraken has introduced xStocks Vaults, a new feature allowing users to utilize tokenized equities as collateral for borrowing stablecoins. By leveraging the infrastructure of the Layer 2 blockchain network, Kraken enables clients to maintain exposure to traditional stock market assets while accessing liquidity without selling their holdings. This integration bridges the gap between traditional equity markets and decentralized finance by allowing users to deposit tokenized shares into vaults to secure loans. The platform utilizes a proprietary tokenization process to represent ownership of real-world stocks on-chain, ensuring that the underlying assets remain secure. This development marks a significant step in the evolution of RWA utility, as it moves beyond simple asset representation toward complex financial services like collateralized lending. By providing a mechanism to borrow against equities, Kraken is expanding the functional use cases for tokenized securities within its ecosystem. This move highlights the growing institutional and retail demand for hybrid financial products that combine the efficiency of blockchain technology with the stability of traditional equity markets.

thedefiant.ioAdded: Sep 14, 20267.5
Top 5 Crypto Exchanges With Lowest Tokenized Stock Fees
Stocks

Top 5 Crypto Exchanges With Lowest Tokenized Stock Fees

In 2026, tokenized U.S. stocks have emerged as a significant asset class on crypto exchanges, allowing users to gain exposure to equities like NVIDIA and Tesla using stablecoins such as Tether. This shift enables 24/7 trading access and bypasses traditional brokerage requirements, though the total cost of trading varies significantly across platforms like Bitget, MEXC, and Kraken. While headline maker and taker fees are often cited, factors such as liquidity, spreads, and slippage play a critical role in determining the actual cost for traders. A July 2026 CryptoRank study highlighted that Bitget's rTokens maintained deeper order books and lower slippage for larger orders compared to competitors like Binance and Gate. Meanwhile, exchanges like MEXC offer aggressive fee structures, and Kraken provides maker rebates, illustrating the diverse competitive landscape for these products. The ability to use tokenized stocks as collateral further enhances capital efficiency for users within these ecosystems. Ultimately, the market is moving toward a model where low headline fees are balanced against execution quality and broader utility for equity-linked assets.

yellow.comAdded: Sep 14, 20267.5
Nasdaq invests $100m in Kraken parent for tokenized stocks
Stocks

Nasdaq invests $100m in Kraken parent for tokenized stocks

The provided article URL is inaccessible due to a JavaScript requirement, preventing the extraction of specific details regarding a $100 million investment by Nasdaq into Kraken's parent company for tokenized stocks. In the broader context of the RWA market, such a partnership would represent a significant convergence between traditional exchange infrastructure and decentralized finance platforms. Tokenized stocks aim to provide 24/7 trading capabilities, fractional ownership, and increased settlement efficiency compared to legacy equity markets. If confirmed, this move would signal a major institutional endorsement of blockchain-based securities trading. Such developments are critical for the RWA sector as they bridge the gap between regulated financial instruments and distributed ledger technology. The integration of Nasdaq's market expertise with Kraken's crypto-native infrastructure could accelerate the adoption of tokenized assets among institutional investors. This event underscores the ongoing trend of established financial giants seeking to modernize equity markets through tokenization protocols.

techinasia.comAdded: Sep 13, 20267.5
The week in GRC: Better Markets sues Fed alleging collusion with Wall Street banks as Nasdaq makes tokenization investment | Governance Intelligence -
Infrastructure

The week in GRC: Better Markets sues Fed alleging collusion with Wall Street banks as Nasdaq makes tokenization investment | Governance Intelligence -

Nasdaq’s venture arm has committed a $100 million investment into Payward, the parent company of the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, to accelerate the development of tokenization infrastructure. This strategic partnership aims to launch Nasdaq Equity Tokens (NETs) by the second quarter of 2027 via the xStocks platform. The initiative focuses on creating systems that enable the trading and settlement of tokenized assets outside of traditional market hours while maintaining strict regulatory compliance and investor protections. By linking regulated markets with blockchain-based systems, the collaboration seeks to preserve market integrity and liquidity for tokenized securities. This move represents a significant institutional push to modernize financial market infrastructure by integrating continuous trading capabilities into the equity ecosystem. The project builds upon a prior partnership established in March, signaling a long-term commitment to bridging the gap between legacy financial systems and distributed ledger technology. This development is a critical indicator of how major exchange operators are actively positioning themselves to capture the growing demand for tokenized real-world assets.

governance-intelligence.comAdded: Sep 12, 20268.5
Nasdaq allocates 86 million euros to Kraken's parent company to enhance tokenized shares
Infrastructure

Nasdaq allocates 86 million euros to Kraken's parent company to enhance tokenized shares

Nasdaq has reportedly allocated 86 million euros to Payward Inc., the parent company of the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, to advance the development of tokenized share infrastructure. This strategic investment aims to bolster the technical capabilities required for the issuance and management of digital securities on blockchain networks. By leveraging Kraken's existing infrastructure, Nasdaq seeks to bridge the gap between traditional equity markets and decentralized finance protocols. The move signals a significant institutional commitment to the modernization of stock trading through distributed ledger technology. This development is expected to enhance liquidity and settlement efficiency for tokenized assets, potentially setting a new standard for institutional-grade digital securities. As traditional financial giants continue to explore blockchain integration, this partnership highlights the growing convergence of centralized exchange expertise and tokenization frameworks. The initiative underscores the broader industry trend of institutional players investing in the underlying technology necessary to support the future of regulated digital asset markets.

democrata.esAdded: Sep 10, 20267.5
Nasdaq Advances Always-On Markets and Tokenized Equities Strategy with Agreement to Invest in Payward
Infrastructure

Nasdaq Advances Always-On Markets and Tokenized Equities Strategy with Agreement to Invest in Payward

Nasdaq has announced a $100 million investment in Payward, the parent company of the global crypto exchange Kraken, to accelerate the development of tokenized equity infrastructure. This strategic move deepens a partnership initiated in March, specifically targeting the launch of Nasdaq Equity Tokens (NETs) by the second quarter of 2027. The collaboration aims to integrate Nasdaq’s regulated market surveillance technology with Payward’s xStocks ecosystem to facilitate seamless capital movement and always-on liquidity. By combining Nasdaq’s institutional expertise with Kraken’s crypto-native execution capabilities, the companies intend to build a robust framework for the distribution and settlement of tokenized stocks. This initiative represents a significant step toward the convergence of traditional financial markets and decentralized networks. The partnership also includes the adoption of Nasdaq’s market surveillance tools across Kraken’s trading venues to ensure high-integrity operations. Ultimately, this investment underscores Nasdaq's commitment to modernizing market infrastructure through programmable assets and interoperable digital systems.

nasdaq.comAdded: Sep 10, 20268.5
AMC slams tokenized stocks: Why Kraken and Bullish are betting big anyway
Stocks

AMC slams tokenized stocks: Why Kraken and Bullish are betting big anyway

The recent episode of CoinDesk's Public Keys highlights significant developments in the tokenized equity sector, featuring insights from industry leaders at Kraken, SoFi, and Bullish. Kraken's parent company, Payward, is expanding its footprint through strategic partnerships with SoFi and the London Stock Exchange to facilitate 24/7 access to tokenized equities via xStocks. Simultaneously, Bullish Exchange has completed a $4.2 billion acquisition of the transfer agent Equiniti to bolster its infrastructure for tokenized-share trading. These trades are now being executed on a venue regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC), marking a shift toward institutional-grade compliance for digital securities. The discussion underscores the evolving competition between various market models aiming to modernize traditional stock trading through blockchain technology. While these advancements promise increased liquidity and accessibility, they also face scrutiny from traditional market participants like AMC regarding the implications of tokenized stock offerings. This convergence of legacy financial infrastructure and distributed ledger technology represents a critical step in the broader adoption of real-world asset tokenization.

finance.yahoo.comAdded: Sep 9, 20267.5
Bitcoin Price Rebounds From Oil-Fueled Retreat, Nasdaq To Launch Tokenized Stocks
Stocks

Bitcoin Price Rebounds From Oil-Fueled Retreat, Nasdaq To Launch Tokenized Stocks

Nasdaq has announced a strategic partnership with Payward, the parent company of the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, to facilitate the trading of tokenized stocks. This initiative marks a significant intersection between traditional equity markets and blockchain-based digital asset infrastructure. By integrating tokenization, Nasdaq aims to modernize the settlement and accessibility of equity products for a broader range of investors. The announcement coincides with broader market movements in the cryptocurrency sector, which saw a rebound in bitcoin prices following recent volatility. While the specific technical implementation details remain limited, the collaboration signals a growing institutional appetite for bridging legacy financial systems with distributed ledger technology. This move is part of a wider trend where major financial exchanges explore tokenization to enhance market efficiency and liquidity. The development underscores the increasing legitimacy of digital assets within the framework of established global financial institutions.

investors.comAdded: Sep 4, 20268.5
Tokenized Stock Holders Double to 1.31M as Monthly Volume Jumps 179%
Stocks

Tokenized Stock Holders Double to 1.31M as Monthly Volume Jumps 179%

The tokenized stock market is currently dominated by three major platforms, with Ondo leading at $872 million in distributed value, followed by Kraken's xStocks at $557.8 million and Binance's bStocks at $521.8 million. Binance's bStocks, launched in June 2026, has rapidly gained traction, narrowing the gap with Kraken to approximately $36 million. A significant surge in demand for pre-IPO exposure, particularly regarding SpaceX's June 12 public debut, drove widespread product launches across major exchanges including Coinbase, Bybit, and Bitget. While these platforms successfully attracted substantial capital, including a $557 million subscription campaign by Binance, the sector faced operational hurdles when xStocks failed to secure sufficient underlying shares. This shortfall forced Binance, Bybit, and Bitget Wallet to cancel their pre-IPO campaigns and issue customer refunds. Despite these setbacks, interest in SpaceX-linked products remains evident, with bStocks maintaining a distributed value of $67.9 million post-listing. This trend highlights both the high retail appetite for private-market assets and the logistical complexities inherent in scaling tokenized equity offerings.

coinmarketcap.comAdded: Aug 22, 20267.5
Kraken Brings 7,000+ U.S. Stocks to Europe, Becomes First Crypto Platform Offering Traditional Shares and Tokenized Equities in One Account
Stocks

Kraken Brings 7,000+ U.S. Stocks to Europe, Becomes First Crypto Platform Offering Traditional Shares and Tokenized Equities in One Account

Kraken has launched commission-free trading for over 7,000 U.S.-listed stocks and 700 tokenized xStocks for customers across the European Economic Area. This integration allows users to manage traditional equities and tokenized assets within a single regulated account under the MiFID II framework. By offering both traditional shares and 1:1 collateralized xStocks, Kraken aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and crypto-native infrastructure. The platform, operated by Payward Europe Digital Solutions, distinguishes itself from competitors like Crypto.com and Bitpanda by providing a unified interface for both asset types. Tokenized equities currently represent 15% of the RWA market, with a total market capitalization of approximately $2.8 billion. Kraken, alongside Ondo Finance and Binance, controls 77% of this specific sector. This expansion signifies a major shift toward institutional-grade convergence, as trading activity on the platform increasingly pivots toward equity-based products despite a 13% year-over-year decline in total transaction volume.

genfinity.ioAdded: Aug 21, 20268.5
24-Hour Trading on US Exchanges: What the SEC Roundtable Means for Tokenized Stocks
Stocks

24-Hour Trading on US Exchanges: What the SEC Roundtable Means for Tokenized Stocks

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has scheduled a roundtable for September 17, 2026, to discuss the operational and resilience requirements for implementing 24-hour trading across American equity markets. This initiative directly challenges the primary value proposition of tokenized stocks on platforms like Kraken and Binance, which currently offer continuous trading that traditional exchanges lack. While the SEC roundtable is not a formal vote, it signifies a major shift as traditional venues like Nasdaq and NYSE Arca have already received approval to extend their trading hours into night sessions. As traditional exchanges move toward near-continuous operation, the competitive edge of tokenized assets—specifically their ability to trade outside standard market hours—is being significantly compressed. Tokenized stocks, such as xStocks and bStocks, provide fractional ownership and on-chain settlement, but they rely on the issuer holding the underlying equity, meaning investors face issuer risk rather than direct shareholder rights. The speed at which traditional exchanges successfully implement these extended hours will determine how much of the 'time advantage' remains for crypto-native tokenized stock products. Ultimately, this transition forces investors to weigh the remaining benefits of tokenization, such as weekend access, against the inherent risks of holding derivative claims rather than direct equity.

cryptoticker.ioAdded: Aug 21, 20268.0