Nasdaq Invests $100 Million in Kraken’s Parent Company to Develop Tokenized Stocks
Nasdaq is investing $100 million in Payward, Kraken's parent company, to collaborate on tokenized stocks, 24/7 trading, and blockchain integration. The Nasdaq Equity Tokens (NETs) system aims to create digital representations of traditional stocks. The London Stock Exchange Group also partnered with Payward to tokenize its 100 largest companies. According to Reuters Breakingviews, the global market for tokenized shares is currently small but growing.
How this was made

The 30-second read
Why it matters
The collaboration could create new digital equity products, potentially increasing trading volumes and attracting crypto‑focused investors to traditional exchanges.
Market read
The deal signals a shift toward integrating blockchain technology with regulated equity markets, potentially reshaping trading models.
What to watch
Regulatory uncertainty around tokenized securities could limit commercial rollout.
Background
Nasdaq Ventures is expanding into blockchain by partnering with crypto exchange Kraken’s owner, Payward, while the LSE announces a similar tokenization partnership.
Ticker impact
Nasdaq announced a $100 million investment in Payward, Kraken’s parent, to develop tokenized stocks and 24/7 blockchain trading.
Modest upside for NDAQ as the investment signals new revenue streams.
The size of the investment and strategic focus on tokenized equities could attract crypto‑related trading volume, but execution risk remains.
Market effects
Accelerates tokenization efforts across exchanges, impacting fintech and blockchain sectors.
U.S. exchange market gains visibility; European exchanges (LSE) may follow suit.
Highlights growing convergence of traditional finance and crypto, influencing global market participants.
Counterpoint
The investment may be a distraction for Nasdaq, diverting focus from core exchange operations.
Key entities
- ExchangeNasdaq
U.S. stock exchange operator investing in tokenized stock infrastructure.
- Crypto Exchange ParentPayward (Kraken)
Owner of Kraken, receiving the investment to develop tokenized equities.
- ExchangeLondon Stock Exchange Group
Partnering with Payward on tokenizing top‑100 LSE companies.



