Nasdaq invests $100 million in Kraken parent company Payward at $21 billion valuation
Nasdaq has made a $100 million investment in Payward, the parent company of crypto exchange Kraken, at a valuation of $21 billion, according to a report published September 10, 2026. The deal marks a significant financial commitment from one of the world's leading stock exchange operators into the cryptocurrency sector.
Kraken is among the largest and longest-standing cryptocurrency exchanges globally, having operated since 2011. Payward has been expanding its product and service offerings in recent years, including moves into traditional financial services and efforts to broaden its institutional client base. The $21 billion valuation reflects continued investor interest in major crypto infrastructure firms despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny across the industry.
The investment signals a deepening convergence between traditional financial markets and digital asset platforms. Nasdaq's involvement carries considerable weight given its position as a global equities marketplace and its existing role in providing market technology to financial institutions worldwide. Deals of this scale between established financial incumbents and crypto firms are increasingly viewed as indicators of the sector's maturation and growing institutional acceptance.
Observers will be watching whether the Nasdaq investment accelerates any potential public listing plans for Payward, as well as whether additional strategic partnerships between the two companies emerge. The terms of any broader commercial relationship between Nasdaq and Kraken's parent have not yet been disclosed.
Source: CoinDesk
