Nasdaq and Crypto-Exchange Kraken Partner to Bring Tokenized Stocks to Global Markets
Nasdaq and Kraken's parent company, Payward, are partnering to create a gateway for tokenized equities between regulated markets and DeFi networks.Summary
Payward, the parent company of crypto exchange Kraken, has partnered with Nasdaq to develop the xStocks platform, which will serve as a gateway connecting traditional stock markets with blockchain networks. This initiative aims to move tokenized equities between regulated institutional markets and permissionless decentralized finance (DeFi) networks in approved regions. Tokenization converts assets like stocks into digital tokens retaining rights such as voting and dividends, allowing them to trade on digital networks. The Nasdaq equity token framework, expected in H1 2027, will ensure compliance and preserve shareholder rights. The gateway will facilitate compliant swaps between institutional systems and decentralized networks, with Payward Services handling KYC/AML checks. Executives noted that tokenization fundamentally changes equities by allowing them to move across venues and serve as collateral across multiple strategies, improving capital efficiency and opening access for international investors.
(Source：Bitcoin Magazine)