mergers and acquisitions

Kraken parent Payward to become first crypto firm to buy a EU bank as it expands into deposits, lending
Payward agreed to buy Lithuania’s Saldo Bank, which holds $190 million in total assets, securing an EU license for deposits and lending.

The Clarity Act stalled. Bankers aren’t hitting the brakes yet on crypto dealmaking
Crypto M&A has hit record levels, but the Clarity Act’s Senate setback leaves dealmakers weighing how much regulatory uncertainty still matters.

Payments firm OpenPayd targets year-end Nasdaq listing to fund U.S. expansion and acquisitions
CEO Iana Dimitrova said OpenPayd aims to launch in the U.S. by April 2027 and is eyeing deals to add licenses and technology.

Someone was trying to sell Ondo Finance after founder Nathan Allman's death
The company has vehemently denied that it was shopping for buyers. Allman’s estate declined to comment.

Crypto platform Gemini’s stock is down 80% from its IPO. That’s reviving takeover speculation
The crypto platform’s market value has fallen to about $753 million, putting fresh attention on the licenses, custody infrastructure and customer relationships a buyer could inherit.

Zcash miner Fortitude names former Hut 8 chief Jaime Leverton CEO ahead of Nasdaq deal
Leverton will lead the DCG-owned mining company as it pursues a public listing through its proposed merger with HeartSciences.

Zodia Custody CEO Julian Sawyer steps down, becomes adviser
Sawyer will become a strategic adviser rather than take the helm of Zodia Solutions, as previously announced.

Kraken parent Payward delays IPO to second quarter of 2027 at earliest
The crypto exchange operator, which confidentially filed for a U.S. listing last November, had already put its IPO plans on hold amid difficult market conditions.

BitMEX sale collapsed as buyers balked at founder ownership and shrinking business
Potential buyers, including Exodus, passed on BitMEX amid concerns over founder ownership and its shrinking business, according to a source familiar.

Ondo Finance weighs acquisition worth up to $500 million
The tokenized-assets firm is considering an acquisition valued at $250 million to $500 million as consolidation accelerates across crypto infrastructure.
