Crypto Exchange Operator Seeks New Funding as It Expands Derivatives and Stablecoin Deals

Kraken parent Payward is reportedly seeking a new funding round at a $20 billion valuation after accelerating acquisitions and confidentially filing an S-1 with the SEC ahead of a potential public listing.

Summary

Kraken parent Payward is reportedly raising a new funding round at a $20 billion valuation, adding concrete financial detail to its previously described expansion strategy. The company has recently accelerated acquisitions, including Reap for $600 million and Bitnomial for $550 million, as it builds out its position in digital asset market segments such as stablecoins and derivatives. The report also states that Payward confidentially filed an S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission last November as it prepares to go public.

Terms & Concepts
  • Derivatives: Financial contracts whose value is linked to an underlying asset. In crypto, they commonly include futures and options used for hedging or leveraged trading.
  • Stablecoins: Digital tokens designed to maintain a stable value, usually by being pegged to a fiat currency such as the U.S. dollar.
  • S-1: A registration filing submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by companies preparing for a public offering.