Wells Fargo is in talks with Payward, the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, over a potential crypto trading liquidity arrangement, CoinDesk reported. The proposed relationship would see Payward supply liquidity as the US bank explores a deeper role in digital assets.
Liquidity provision supports buy and sell orders by connecting trading activity with available assets and counterparties. The report concerns negotiations, rather than a completed partnership. It does not establish that Wells Fargo has launched cryptocurrency trading for customers or set a date for such a service.
SCOOP: Wells Fargo in talks with Kraken parent Payward for crypto trading liquidity@willcanny99 reportshttps://t.co/avkyMQevnz
— CoinDesk (@CoinDesk) October 7, 2026
Payward already markets financial infrastructure to banks, fintechs and exchanges through Payward Services. Its offering combines trading execution, custody, payments, staking and tokenized equities, allowing partners to offer digital asset products through their own interfaces while relying on infrastructure developed for Kraken.
The talks follow Nasdaq Ventures’ September agreement to invest $100 million in Payward, covered in CoinScreamer’s previous report. Nasdaq announced expanded work on tokenized equities and market surveillance, naming Wells Fargo as its exclusive capital markets adviser. That advisory role is separate from the reported liquidity discussions.
Wells Fargo’s interest also follows its WFUSD trademark application, which covered cryptocurrency trading, payments and blockchain software. As CoinScreamer previously noted, securing a trademark does not guarantee a product launch. The latest report points to another potential step, with a final arrangement still unconfirmed.
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