SynopsisIn a groundbreaking move, Nasdaq is set to invest one hundred million dollars in Payward, the parent company of Kraken. This strategic partnership focuses on developing a robust infrastructure to facilitate the trading of tokenised equities. Scheduled for launch in 2027, Nasdaq Equity Tokens will enable trading and settlement beyond traditional market hours, aiming to engage investors interested in blockchain assets.ReutersNasdaq said on Thursday its venture arm agreed to invest $100 million in Payward, parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, deepening a partnership aimed at developing infrastructure for trading tokenised equities.Established exchange operators are developing tokenised securities and related infrastructure to capture growing investor interest in blockchain-based assets and compete with crypto-native platforms that are expanding into stocks and derivatives, including perpetual futures.Here are some more details:Nasdaq said the companies aim to build infrastructure that allows tokenised assets to trade and settle outside conventional market hours while maintaining regulatory compliance and market safeguards.The companies expect to launch Nasdaq Equity Tokens (NETs) in the second quarter of 2027 with Payward's xStocks platform.Nasdaq said its tokens are intended to preserve the fundamental principles and benefits of regulated market infrastructure that ensures investor transparency, market integrity and liquidity."The next phase of the collaboration is planned to advance Nasdaq Equity Tokens onto rails that do not close, with shareholder rights intact," said Arjun Sethi, Co-CEO of Payward.The investment builds on a partnership announced in March where Nasdaq said it will collaborate with Payward to develop tokenization infrastructure.Just after the collaboration announcement, the exchange operator also received approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to allow certain stocks to be traded and settled in tokenised form. ...moreElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.Subscribe Now
Nasdaq: Nasdaq to invest $100 million in Kraken parent to deepen tokenisation push - The Economic Times
In a groundbreaking move, Nasdaq is set to invest one hundred million dollars in Payward, the parent company of Kraken. This strategic partnership focuses on developing a robust infrastructure to facilitate the trading of tokenised equities. Scheduled for launch in 2027, Nasdaq Equity Tokens will enable trading and settlement beyond traditional market hours, aiming to engage investors interested in blockchain assets.
Nasdaq invests $100 million in Payward, Kraken's parent company, to develop infrastructure for trading tokenised equities launching in Q2 2027. Traditional exchange operators now compete on blockchain capabilities, signaling that tech leaders must reassess tokenisation and 24/7 settlement strategies to maintain market relevance.
