Nasdaq has invested $100 million in the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, signaling a bet that tokenization could become part of the stock market's core infrastructure ahead of a planned 2027 launch.
Key facts
- Nasdaq is investing $100 million in Kraken's parent company.
- The move targets a 2027 launch of tokenized stock trading.
- Nasdaq is betting tokenization is becoming part of the stock market's plumbing.
- The investment was reported by CNBC on September 10, 2026.
Nasdaq is investing $100 million in the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, according to CNBC, in a move that positions the exchange operator to pursue tokenized trading of stocks and other assets.
The investment comes as Nasdaq eyes a 2027 launch of tokenized stock trading, signaling that the company sees tokenization as an increasingly central part of how markets could operate in the future.
CNBC reported that Nasdaq is making a big bet that the tokenization of stocks and other assets is becoming part of the plumbing of the stock market. Tokenization broadly refers to representing ownership of assets, such as shares, using digital tokens.
The tie-up connects one of the world’s best-known stock exchange operators with the parent of Kraken, a major cryptocurrency trading platform, reflecting a growing convergence between traditional finance and crypto infrastructure.
With a target launch of 2027, the plan suggests a multi-year timeline as Nasdaq develops the technology and framework needed to support tokenized trading.
Why it matters
The investment signals that a mainstream stock exchange operator sees tokenization as a potential foundation of future markets, rather than a fringe crypto experiment. If tokenized stock trading launches as planned, it could reshape how everyday investors buy and hold shares.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Nasdaq investing in Kraken's parent company?
Nasdaq is investing $100 million in the parent company of the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, according to CNBC.
When could tokenized stock trading launch?
Nasdaq is eyeing a 2027 launch of tokenized stock trading.
Why is Nasdaq making this investment?
According to CNBC, Nasdaq is betting that the tokenization of stocks and other assets is becoming part of the plumbing of the stock market.