Clarity. Innovation. Access.

Payward is committed to building a global digital asset ecosystem rooted in open systems, fair access, and responsible innovation.

Our global public policy and government affairs team engages with policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders and partners to support the creation of durable frameworks that strengthen markets worldwide.

By building relationships, engaging regulators, and providing testimony and thought leadership, we promote balanced rules that enable innovation and growth.

Our policy principles

Clarity over ambiguity

Rules should be consistent and durable, providing certainty for innovators, institutions, and consumers alike.

Access for all

Markets work best when they are open, interoperable, and fair. Digital assets should expand user choice and reduce friction, not replicate barriers of the past.

Innovation with integrity

Regulation should enable new technologies while safeguarding market integrity. Innovation and responsibility should move together.

Global alignment

Fragmented approaches create risks and inefficiencies. Harmonized global standards support trust, transparency, and competitiveness.

Bipartisan cooperation

Durable policy requires consensus across parties and borders. The future of finance should not be partisan.

Our global policy engagement

Kraken is one of the most globally engaged digital asset firms, with our team working directly with regulators and policymakers across more than 40 jurisdictions. Our approach: constructive, transparent, and rooted in shared responsibility for building open and trusted markets.

United States

Building durable federal frameworks

Testimony before Congress in support of bipartisan bills like the GENIUS Act, CLARITY Act, and Market Structure legislation.

Advocating for CFTC spot-market authority, clear SEC/CFTC boundaries, and pragmatic transition periods that protect consumers.

European Union

MiCA license secured in June 2025

MiCA-authorized in the EEA, enabling compliant and scalable operations across Europe under a single framework.

United Kingdom

Shaping bespoke regimes

Among the first digital asset firms registered with the FCA.

Supporting the UK’s tailored approach to staking, custody, and tokenization.

Canada

Strengthening compliance leadership

Operating under a Pre-Registration Undertaking with OSC while advancing toward full CTP authorization.

Continuing to support CSA engagement on custody and exchange rules.

Latin America

Driving access and open systems

Supporting Brazil’s leadership in digital asset policy.

Building partnerships that expand user access and market resilience across the region.

APAC

Expanding licensing footprint

Active in Australia, rapidly expanding across Asia.

Contributing to the development of globally consistent standards for custody, stablecoins, and exchange regulation.

Policy in action

Testimonies & statements

Senate Banking Subcommittee testimony Feb 2025

Statements on GENIUS Act, CLARITY Act, and Market Structure Bill

Global commentary from UK, EU and Canada

Reports

Kraken Transparency

Proof of Reserves

Reviving transatlantic leadership for the next era of digital assets – tokenization thought leadership

In the media

'UK can do better': Kraken urges regulators to move faster on stablecoin and tokenization rules – The Block

What to Expect from the White House Crypto Summit – Bloomberg Television

Kraken's global head of policy discusses importance of U.S. crypto market structure regulation at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium – CNBC Television

Australia’s crypto regulation breakthrough is a win for innovation and economic growth – Stockhead

Spotlight: Key issues

Stablecoins

The settlement layer of digital assets. Clear, globally aligned frameworks are essential to unlock their full potential.

Tokenization

Modernizing market infrastructure, from RWAs to tokenized equities, while ensuring enforceable rights, robust disclosures, and fair secondary markets.

U.S. regulatory clarity

Federal clarity in the U.S. is overdue. Ending state-by-state patchwork and establishing a clear federal framework will enhance predictability, protection, and competitiveness.

Staking

A distinct innovation that secures proof-of-stake networks. It should not be regulated as a security.

DeFi

Support for innovation exemptions with guardrails. Oversight should be risk-based and technology-neutral.

Custody & consumer safeguards

Segregated accounts, bankruptcy remoteness, and proof of reserves should be global benchmarks for trust.

Contact & engagement

For regulators, policymakers, and partners: [email protected]

Kraken’s global policy team works across 40+ jurisdictions to advance clarity, access, and innovation in digital assets.

About Payward

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