Core Insights - Major cryptocurrencies are experiencing a decline as the holiday season approaches, with Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP all moving lower [1] - Kraken is expanding into tokenized assets through the acquisition of Backed Finance, aiming to enhance the adoption of tokenized equities and prediction markets in 2026 [2][3] Group 1: Tokenized Assets and Kraken's Strategy - Kraken has announced the acquisition of Backed Finance, which specializes in tokenization infrastructure, to facilitate the issuance of X stocks, which are permissionless tokens representing underlying equities [3][4] - The X stocks initiative aims to integrate the advantages of crypto trading into traditional equities, allowing for 24/7 trading and self-custody, which is currently limited in traditional markets [5][6] - Over 80,000 wallets are utilizing X stocks, with hundreds of millions of dollars in assets and $14 billion in volume traded on-chain, indicating strong initial success [6][7] Group 2: Market Trends and Predictions - There is a growing institutional demand for tokenized equities, driven by the inefficiencies of traditional banking infrastructure, which has not evolved significantly in over 50 years [8][9] - Tokenization is expected to enhance liquidity and trading capabilities in equities, with Kraken anticipating significant growth in this sector throughout 2026 [9][11] Group 3: Developments in Digital Payments - Kraken has introduced the Crack Card, a debit card offering crypto rewards, which is currently available in the UK and EU, with plans to launch in the US next year [20][24] - The Crack Card signifies a shift towards a more inclusive definition of money, allowing users to transact in various currencies, including cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets [21][23] Group 4: Future Outlook and Acquisitions - Kraken plans to continue investing in its platform and expanding its offerings, with expectations of more acquisitions and enhancements in 2026 [25][26] - The company is also looking to enter the prediction markets space, which has seen increased interest and activity, indicating a broader strategy to diversify its services [16][19]