- Payward adds proxy voting access for eligible Kraken xStocks holders.
- Kraken partners with Broadridge to improve tokenized equity features.
- xStocks aims to narrow the gap with traditional stock ownership.
Payward, the parent company of Kraken, is expanding the functionality of its xStocks tokenized equity product by adding proxy voting access for eligible investors. The move allows certain xStocks holders to submit voting preferences on corporate matters through infrastructure provided by Broadridge.
The development marks a shift in how Kraken xStocks approaches tokenized securities. Previously, investors could gain exposure to stock prices but lacked access to governance participation linked with traditional equity ownership.
Payward Strengthens Kraken xStocks Governance Features
Payward said the Broadridge collaboration will allow eligible Kraken xStocks users to participate in proxy voting processes. Broadridge provides digital asset infrastructure, including voting systems, custody solutions, and post-trade services.
Payward Chief Commercial Officer Mark Greenberg said tokenization should provide investors with more than programmable capital markets. He said ownership should also include participation in company decisions.
The partnership does not mean xStocks holders directly own the underlying shares. Instead, investor preferences will be collected through Broadridge’s proxy voting framework.
The update addresses a key limitation of tokenized equities. Many blockchain-based stock products provide economic exposure but do not provide the same governance rights available through traditional brokerage accounts.
Kraken Expands Tokenized Equity Vision Globally
Meanwhile, Payward and Kraken continue developing xStocks as part of a broader push into global tokenized markets. The product is currently unavailable to U.S. investors, U.K. investors, and U.S. persons.
Payward has been working to expand access through international partnerships. The company previously partnered with GTN to add Hong Kong-listed stocks and outlined plans for expansion into Europe, South Korea, and other regions.
Kraken said xStocks surpassed $35 billion in total transaction volume across more than 500 tokenized securities by July 2026. The platform has attracted nearly 200,000 holders since launch.
The broader financial sector is also exploring blockchain-based securities, with traditional institutions examining tokenization for settlement efficiency and wider market access.
For Payward, adding governance features gives Kraken xStocks another step toward replicating more elements of traditional share ownership while navigating regulatory and custody requirements.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. CoinCryptoNewz is not responsible for any losses incurred. Readers should do their own research before making financial decisions.
