SoFi, Payward agree to link banking network with Kraken infrastructure — 2026-09-03

## Short Segments ## Feature Story SoFi Technologies and Payward have announced a strategic partnership that links SoFi's banking settlement network with Kraken's digital asset infrastructure. This collaboration is set to transform the landscape of financial services by integrating traditional banking with digital asset markets. At the heart of this partnership is the connection of SoFi's real-time banking network with Kraken's infrastructure, enabling 24/7 USD settlement and expanding access to SoFiUSD. This move allows Payward, Kraken's parent company, to join the SoFi Exchange Network and list SoFiUSD on Kraken's multi-asset trading platform. Additionally, SoFi will utilize Kraken Prime for executing digital asset trades. The integration of these systems marks a significant step towards seamless financial services, addressing the growing demand for continuous operations without the delays typical of legacy systems. This partnership not only enhances operational efficiency but also broadens the scope of services available to customers, offering a single integration point for stablecoin payments and tokenized asset markets. Payward's involvement in this partnership is part of a broader strategy to capture a larger market share amidst a challenging environment for crypto exchanges. The company has recently completed the acquisition of a stablecoin-powered credit card and payments fintech, further solidifying its position in the market. This move aligns with Payward's ongoing efforts to expand its service offerings and infrastructure capabilities. Moreover, Payward is currently awaiting a response from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) regarding its application for a national trust bank charter, filed in May. This application, if approved, could further enhance Payward's ability to offer comprehensive financial services, bridging the gap between traditional banking and digital assets. For SoFi, this partnership leverages its Big Business Banking capabilities, providing a robust platform for digital asset trade execution and settlement. By joining forces with Payward, SoFi aims to enhance its service offerings and provide its customers with broader access to digital asset markets. The implications of this partnership are far-reaching. For issuers and custodians, the integration offers a more streamlined and efficient process for managing digital assets. Payment companies and developers can benefit from the enhanced infrastructure, enabling them to offer more innovative and competitive services. Enterprises and end users stand to gain from the increased accessibility and efficiency of financial services. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the collaboration between SoFi and Payward represents a significant step towards the future of banking and digital assets. By bridging the gap between traditional and digital financial systems, this partnership sets the stage for a more integrated and efficient financial ecosystem. Looking ahead, the success of this partnership could pave the way for further collaborations between traditional financial institutions and digital asset platforms. As the demand for seamless and continuous financial services grows, the integration of banking and digital asset markets will likely become increasingly important. In conclusion, the partnership between SoFi and Payward is a pivotal development in the financial services industry. By connecting banking and digital asset markets, this collaboration enhances operational efficiency, broadens service offerings, and sets the stage for a more integrated financial ecosystem. As the industry continues to evolve, such partnerships will play a crucial role in shaping the future of financial services.