Kraken and Nasdaq Partner on Tokenized Equity Gateway

Crypto exchange Kraken has partnered with Nasdaq to build infrastructure that connects tokenized equities with decentralized finance networks. Collaboration aims to create a gateway that allows traders to transfer tokenized stocks from regulated environments into DeFi markets.

Nasdaq, operator of the second largest stock exchange globally, is developing a new equity token structure expected to launch during the first half of 2027.

Good to Know

• Kraken and Nasdaq working on gateway linking tokenized equities with DeFi
• Nasdaq tokenized equity design expected to launch in 2027
• Kraken xStocks already processed more than $25 billion in trading volume

System will rely on Kraken xStocks, tokenized versions of publicly traded equities and exchange traded funds. Gateway would connect permissioned equity markets with permissionless blockchain based financial networks in jurisdictions where xStocks are available.

Arjun Sethi, co CEO of Kraken, said tokenized equities can support several trading uses including derivatives, financing, and cross margin markets.

“Our partnership with Nasdaq is important because tokenization alone does not create markets. Markets require liquidity risk management and reliable infrastructure. By combining Nasdaq leadership in regulated equity markets with Payward digital asset infrastructure and Kraken global trading platform, we are helping build the liquidity layer risk engine and financial applications that allow tokenized equities to function within a more global, continuous and capital efficient financial system.”

Kraken said xStocks have generated more than $25 billion in total transaction volume since launching last year.