TheBlock
Kraken parent Payward has launched more than 200 tokenized UK and European stocks through xStocks, expanding the offering to over 1,500 assets. Each token is backed 1:1 by shares held at a regulated custodian. Payward puts xStocks assets under management at more than $1.1 billion, with cumulative transaction volume above $45 billion and over 550,000 unique holders.
Why it matters
The listings are the first under Payward's partnership with GTN, which provides brokerage and custody infrastructure for the tokenized shares. They extend xStocks beyond the US equities and exchange-traded funds with which the service launched in June 2025.
The tokens trade through Kraken and supporting xStocks Alliance platforms and are available across networks including Solana, Ethereum, TON, Ink and X Layer. Payward previously partnered with the London Stock Exchange on plans to bring the top 100 London-listed equities to xStocks. The exchange also plans to offer xStocks trading through LSE 24, pending regulatory approval.
Market impact
The addition broadens access to tokenized shares in actively traded UK and EU companies, but geographic restrictions remain. Payward says xStocks are accessible in more than 110 markets, excluding UK investors, US investors and US persons. The new listings do not change those rules.
Payward expects to introduce hundreds of Hong Kong-listed stocks over the next few weeks, followed by listings from other international markets. Its reported cumulative volume has risen from $40 billion and its holder count from more than 200,000 in figures previously reported in September.
Frequently asked questions
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How are xStocks tokens backed?
Each token is backed 1:1 by shares held at a regulated custodian.
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Can UK and US investors trade the new xStocks listings?
No. Payward says xStocks remain unavailable to UK investors, US investors and US persons, and the new listings do not change those restrictions.
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What role does GTN play in the expansion?
GTN provides brokerage and custody infrastructure for the tokenized shares. The UK and European listings are the first under its partnership with Payward.
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Which networks support the tokenized shares?
Payward says the tokens are available across networks including Solana, Ethereum, TON, Ink and X Layer.
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Which international stocks does Payward plan to add next?
Payward expects to introduce hundreds of Hong Kong-listed stocks over the next few weeks, followed by listings from other international markets.
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