Strategic Alliance Between SoFi and Payward
On September 3, 2026, US fintech leader SoFi Technologies and digital asset infrastructure provider Payward announced a strategic partnership aimed at linking traditional banking operations with digital asset markets. The collaboration focuses on enabling real-time payments, liquidity consolidation, and broad market access to meet institutional demand for diversified asset management solutions.
Payward Expands SoFi’s Digital Asset Capabilities
Payward, the technology provider behind crypto exchange Kraken, will integrate SoFi-issued stablecoin SoFiUSD into its multi-asset trading platform. Leveraging Payward’s prime brokerage service Kraken Prime, SoFi intends to broaden its digital asset liquidity sources while offering qualified custodial services. This synergy strengthens both companies’ service offerings, granting institutional clients enhanced flexibility in fund allocation and settlement.
Enabling 24/7 US Dollar Settlement Across Networks
By incorporating Payward into SoFi’s real-time payment rail, institutional clients gain access to 24/7 US dollar clearing and settlement. The addition of Kraken’s network enables seamless fund transfers across both ecosystems, improving liquidity management and catering to trading activity across time zones.
SoFi CEO Anthony Noto emphasized, “The financial system should operate continuously like an always-open market. Our partnership with Payward affirms this vision and marks a key step toward a financial infrastructure that supports seamless cross-network and cross-border capital flows.”
Payward co-CEO David Ripley added, “The convergence of currency and markets demands urgent upgrades to infrastructure to support this emerging financial paradigm.”
Kraken Prime Drives Competitive Pricing and Trading Volume
The integration of Kraken Prime as a supplemental liquidity source within SoFi’s digital assets services is designed to offer more competitive pricing to users. This initiative aims to boost trading activity within the SoFi app, enhancing member experience and expanding market depth.
This collaboration illustrates the ongoing convergence between traditional banking and digital asset platforms. It carries meaningful implications for institutional investors and the broader digital asset ecosystem as stakeholders watch for the partnership’s operational rollout and potential expansion.