LSEG partners with Payward to tokenize UK equities

The London Stock Exchange Group has announced a partnership with Payward, the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, to tokenize shares of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. The collaboration aims to integrate regulated capital markets with blockchain technology, with the first batch of tokenized UK equities expected to become available to eligible international investors within weeks. Under the agreement, Payward will bring the 100 largest LSE-listed companies to its xStocks tokenization framework. Each digital token will represent a one-to-one claim on the underlying security, held through a custody structure. The products will be accessible to investors in more than 110 countries, though they will not be available to investors based in the United Kingdom. The move marks a significant step in the convergence of traditional finance and digital asset infrastructure. The partnership extends beyond distributing tokenized shares through Payward's existing network. Subject to regulatory approval, the London Stock Exchange plans to list xStocks and support their trading on LSE 24, its new extended-hours venue, in 2027.