Payward, the parent company of Kraken, is in talks to become a crypto liquidity provider for Wells Fargo, potentially giving the bank direct liquidity access through an established crypto firm.

The GENIUS Act, signed in 2025, has provided clearer rules for stablecoins and their integration with the banking system, creating a regulatory context that supports such partnerships.

Banks are increasingly pursuing partnerships with crypto firms as regulatory environments loosen and industry consolidation continues, signaling broader industry interest.

Wells Fargo has expanded its digital asset activities, including offering spot bitcoin ETFs to eligible clients, backing crypto firms, and exploring blockchain-based deposits and a dollar stablecoin project.

Wells Fargo previously advised Nasdaq on its $100 million investment in Payward, signaling a strategic relationship between the institutions.

Payward is also in talks with custody giant BNY over a broad financial-infrastructure partnership, highlighting growing ties with traditional finance.

The proposed arrangement would let Wells Fargo access crypto liquidity through an established crypto firm rather than building internal infrastructure.

Under the potential deal, Payward would supply liquidity for trading digital assets, with discussions ongoing and no guarantee of a final agreement yet.