Kraken Parent Payward to Acquire Lithuania's Saldo Bank

Key Facts

1Payward, the parent company of Kraken, plans to acquire Lithuanian Saldo Bank to expand its traditional banking services.

2The acquisition is expected to close in 2027, enabling expansion into four EU operating markets.

Payward, the parent company of the Kraken cryptocurrency exchange, plans to acquire the Lithuanian-based Saldo Bank. Cointelegraph reported that the move is designed to expand Payward's traditional banking services and bridge the gap between the crypto industry and traditional finance. The acquisition is expected to close in 2027, enabling the company to operate across four European Union markets.

The strategy focuses on strengthening the company's footprint within regulated EU markets through a specialized banking license. In regional context, neighboring Poland maintained its interest rates at 3.75% on October 7, 2026, as major crypto players continue to seek established positions within the European regulated financial system.