Tuesday 15 September 2026
Evening EditionRSS

ZOTPAPER

News without the noise

ZOTPAPER
Crypto

Nasdaq Invests $100 Million in Kraken Parent Payward at $21 Billion Valuation

The investment underscores the exchange's push into tokenized assets and 24/7 trading.

edit
By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
Sources2 outlets
Nasdaq has invested $100 million in Payward, the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, as part of its expansion into tokenized stock products and round-the-clock trading, according to a company announcement.

Nasdaq's venture arm made the investment in Payward, valuing the crypto exchange operator at $21 billion, as reported by Cointelegraph. The strategic move deepens the relationship between the traditional stock exchange and one of the largest crypto platforms, signaling growing institutional interest in bridging conventional finance with digital assets.

Kraken revealed the investment in a statement on Thursday, highlighting the partnership's focus on tokenized products that could trade continuously. The deal marks one of the most significant crossovers between a legacy exchange and a crypto firm, as both industries explore ways to integrate blockchain technology into mainstream financial markets.

§

Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The investment signals growing acceptance of crypto exchanges by traditional financial infrastructure.
  • It could accelerate the development of tokenized stocks and 24/7 trading, potentially reshaping how equities are traded.
  • Nasdaq's backing may boost Kraken's credibility and attract further institutional investment.

Background

Nasdaq, one of the world's largest stock exchanges, has been gradually expanding into digital assets and blockchain technology. Kraken, founded in 2011, is a well-known cryptocurrency exchange operating globally. This investment follows a broader trend of traditional financial firms partnering with or investing in crypto companies to offer new products like tokenized securities and round-the-clock trading.

Key Perspectives

Nasdaq: The investment aligns with its strategy to innovate in tokenized assets and offer continuous trading, positioning itself for a future where markets operate 24/7. Kraken/Payward: The funding and partnership provide resources to develop new products and enhance regulatory compliance while gaining access to Nasdaq's institutional network. Critics: Some analysts question the valuation and the pace of adoption for tokenized stocks, noting regulatory hurdles and volatility in crypto markets.

What to Watch

  • Regulatory responses from the SEC and other bodies regarding tokenized securities.
  • Whether other traditional exchanges like NYSE or CBOE follow with similar investments.
  • The launch of specific tokenized stock products on Kraken's platform.

Sources

newspaper

Zotpaper

Articles published under the Zotpaper byline are synthesized from multiple source publications by our AI editor and reviewed by our editorial process. Each story combines reporting from credible outlets to give readers a balanced, comprehensive view.

Editorial ProcessSubscribe