Kraken parent Payward acquires AAVE tokens for DeFi push
7.3 Investments Payward, Kraken’s parent, and its clients acquired AAVE tokens via a fund, expanding into DeFi. The deal is limited to token purchases, with further collaboration with Aave possible.
Payward, the parent company of crypto exchange Kraken, and its asset management clients have acquired an undisclosed amount of AAVE tokens through secondary market transactions, as announced on November 5, 2026. The purchases were made via Digital Asset Special Investments I, LP, an investment fund affiliated with Payward. Specific details regarding the number of tokens or transaction value have not been disclosed. This move marks Payward’s continued expansion into decentralized finance (DeFi) and asset management. By acquiring AAVE, Payward and its clients gain exposure to governance rights over protocol changes and the Aave DAO treasury, though it is unclear if they will actively participate in governance. Earlier talks between Payward and Aave included proposals for a significant equity stake and a larger token purchase, but the current deal is limited to token acquisitions. Both parties are considering further collaboration, but no concrete partnership terms or products have been announced. The transaction highlights growing institutional interest in DeFi.
