Kraken Parent Payward Brings 200+ European Stocks to Blockchain Through xStocks

Kraken’s parent company, Payward, has launched tokenized versions of more than 200 major British and European stocks, marking a significant expansion into blockchain-based equity trading.

The Wall Street Journal reported the development on November 11, 2026. Payward subsequently confirmed that the new assets are available through its xStocks platform, allowing eligible investors to access traditional equities through blockchain networks.

The expansion includes major companies such as Shell, Siemens, and LVMH. It also covers all constituents of Britain’s FTSE 100 and Germany’s DAX 40 indexes.

Payward Expands Tokenized Stock Trading Across Europe

Payward’s latest initiative brings European equities onto blockchain infrastructure that supports extended trading hours and digital asset transfers. Investors can access the tokenized securities through Kraken and other participating platforms, subject to regional restrictions.

Unlike conventional stock trading, which follows established exchange schedules, supported blockchain platforms can facilitate transactions around the clock. However, trading availability varies by platform and jurisdiction.

Each token carries one-to-one backing from an underlying share held by a regulated custodian. Payward partnered with financial technology provider GTN to manage execution and custody arrangements for the traditional securities.

The new assets also integrate with blockchain ecosystems, including Ethereum, Solana, TON, Ink, and X Layer. This infrastructure allows compatible platforms to support token transfers and decentralized finance applications.

Tokenized Equity Market Continues Rapid Expansion

The European launch pushes Payward’s xStocks framework beyond 1,500 tokenized assets, according to the company’s announcement.

Payward reported more than $1.1 billion in assets under management and over $45 billion in cumulative transaction volume. The platform has also attracted more than 550,000 unique holders worldwide.

Despite the expansion into British equities, investors located in the United Kingdom cannot currently access these products. United States investors also face restrictions under existing securities regulations.

The company previously partnered with the London Stock Exchange to advance tokenized equity trading. Subject to regulatory approval, the exchange intends to introduce xStocks trading through its LSE 24 platform in 2027.

Payward Plans Further International Expansion

Payward intends to extend its tokenization initiative into Asian markets, with hundreds of Hong Kong-listed companies expected to follow in the coming weeks.

The expansion highlights growing interest in connecting traditional financial markets with blockchain infrastructure. However, regulatory restrictions and differences between token ownership and conventional shareholder rights remain important considerations for investors.