Kraken Parent Company Makes Moves to Offer xStocks From Global Markets
Kraken parent Payward partnered with fintech GTN to expand xStocks beyond U.S. equities for the first time, with the goal of tokenizing shares from global markets. xStocks are blockchain-based tokens backed one-to-one by real shares in regulated custody, and are currently available only to non-U.S. investors. The rollout starts with Hong Kong-listed stocks and is set to extend to the U.K., Europe, and South Korea, pending local approvals. GTN will provide regulated execution and custody infrastructure across 90+ markets, while Payward supplies the tokenization framework. The partnership is already live at the infrastructure level, with client distribution to follow once licenses are secured. The move positions Payward against rivals like Robinhood and Coinbase, but with a broader international focus rather than just U.S. stocks.
