Payward Acquires Magna to Expand Kraken Token Lifecycle Infrastructure

TLDR:

• Payward’s acquisition of Magna links token vesting and claims infrastructure directly into Kraken’s expanding product ecosystem.
• Magna will continue operating independently while its tools integrate with Kraken’s broader token issuance and distribution roadmap.
• The deal extends Kraken’s reach from trading into fundraising and long-term token lifecycle management services.
• Magna’s platform already supports over 160 projects with peak total value locked of $60 billion in 2025.

Payward has acquired Magna in a move that extends Kraken’s services beyond trading into token lifecycle management. The deal brings vesting, claims, and distribution tools into Kraken’s broader financial infrastructure stack. 

Company leaders described the transaction as part of a push toward verticalized crypto services. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Payward Acquires Magna to Build End-to-End Token Infrastructure

The announcement came through a company blog post and was later echoed in a social update from Dave Ripley. The post confirmed that Magna will continue operating as a standalone platform while integrations progress.

Magna provides tooling for onchain and offchain vesting, token claims, custody workflows, and specialized staking features. These services support teams running complex token distributions and treasury operations.

According to Payward, the acquisition supports its expansion from trading infrastructure into fundraising, issuance, and long-term network management.

The company said Magna already serves teams managing billions of dollars in active token ecosystems.

Arjun Sethi framed the deal as an effort to avoid concentration around distribution and access. He said open, chain-aware infrastructure connects fundraising, liquidity, and distribution into one operating layer.

Kraken Expands Beyond Trading With Magna Integration

Kraken’s on-chain leadership linked the move to a broader strategy around issuer services. Calvin Leyon said the exchange aims to extend trusted infrastructure across the full token lifecycle.

Magna will initially focus on onboarding and security hardening while preserving its existing integrations. Payward said later phases will align the platform with token issuance and global distribution workflows.

Magna’s client base includes more than 160 projects, with peak total value locked reaching $60 billion in 2025. The company has positioned itself as a core operational layer for token generation events and ongoing community management.

Bruno Faviero stated that joining Kraken provides resources for deeper liquidity and global reach. He added that Magna will continue supporting teams across multiple chains and custody setups.

Payward confirmed that Magna customers can keep using current products without disruption. Product updates will roll out gradually as foundational integrations advance.

The acquisition strengthens Kraken’s role beyond exchange services into infrastructure for builders and issuers. It also signals growing demand for standardized tools that manage vesting, distribution, and compliance at s