The post When Will Payward Inc. Go Public? appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.

Kraken has paused its initial public offering timeline, opting to wait for improved market conditions before proceeding with a listing. The crypto exchange, operated by Payward Inc., had confidentially filed a draft S-1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in November 2025. At the time, the company had just completed an $800 million funding round that valued it at $20 billion, reinforcing expectations of a near-term public debut. The company has not withdrawn its IPO plans but has chosen a “wait and see” approach as digital asset markets adjust following a downturn. Bitcoin, which reached record highs in late 2025, has since retraced and traded closer to the $60,000 to $75,000 range in early 2026. That shift has affected trading volumes, valuations, and investor appetite, all of which are factors considered in IPO timing. Kraken’s position contrasts with the prior year, when several crypto firms completed successful listings. Circle, Bullish, and Gemini were among companies that went public in 2025, contributing to a combined $14.6 billion raised across at least 11 crypto IPOs, according to PitchBook data. The stronger regulatory backdrop at the time supported those listings, while current conditions have introduced more caution. Market conditions and Bitcoin outlook shape IPO timing The timing of Kraken’s IPO is closely tied to broader market recovery signals, particularly Bitcoin price performance. Prediction market data indicates varying expectations for Bitcoin’s trajectory, with probabilities suggesting a 78% chance of reaching $80,000, 54% for $90,000, and 40% for $100,000 over the coming period. These projections are being used as reference points for assessing when market sentiment could stabilize. Source: Polymarket Institutional forecasts have also adjusted. Citigroup recently lowered its 12-month Bitcoin price target to $112,000 from $143,000, citing delays in U.S. regulatory developments and shifts in capital flows. The bank noted that slower…

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Filed under: News - @ March 19, 2026 12:29 pm