Wells Fargo in Talks With Kraken Parent Payward for Crypto Liquidity Partnership

Payward, the parent company of crypto exchange Kraken, is engaged in discussions to provide crypto liquidity to Wells Fargo (WFC), according to two individuals with direct knowledge of the matter.

If implemented, the Wyoming-based company would supply liquidity for trading digital assets, the sources said, speaking anonymously because the negotiations are confidential.

Discussions are ongoing and may not lead to a deal.

Both Payward and Wells Fargo declined to comment.

Crypto exchanges typically act as gateways to digital asset liquidity for banks and institutional investors, offering access to trading venues and order execution. Coinbase Prime, for example, aggregates liquidity across multiple markets, while Kraken provides banks with technology to integrate crypto trading into their platforms, enabling them to serve clients without building infrastructure themselves.

The talks indicate that major banks are increasingly relying on established crypto firms to support their digital asset initiatives. A more favorable regulatory environment is also driving this trend. Under a more accommodating regulatory climate during President Donald Trump’s administration, major lenders are increasingly viewing established digital asset companies like Payward as commercial partners, signaling growing acceptance of the sector within traditional finance.

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