#United States #New York #Broadridge #xStocks #Payward

Broadridge and Payward Services Unite for Empowering xStocks Holders

In a significant step towards enhancing corporate governance and shareholder rights, Broadridge Financial Solutions, a recognized leader in fintech, has teamed up with Payward Services, the B2B entity of the cryptocurrency platform Kraken. The collaboration aims to enable holders of xStocks, a framework for tokenized equities, to actively participate in corporate decision-making via Broadridge's advanced governance platform.

The integration of Broadridge's unified governance system with Payward's xStocks framework marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of tokenization in finance. Traditionally, stockholders have had a voice in corporate matters such as voting at shareholder meetings. However, in the world of digital assets and tokenized securities, this fundamental right has often been overlooked. This collaboration seeks to rectify that oversight, allowing xStocks holders to voice their preferences for shares backed by their tokenized equities.

Mark Greenberg, Chief Commercial Officer at Payward, emphasized that the ultimate goal of tokenization extends beyond merely revolutionizing capital markets. Instead, it focuses on granting individuals worldwide the benefits of owning equity in companies, including a voice in governance. "Working with Broadridge is a crucial step in unlocking these opportunities for xStocks holders, making corporate governance accessible to a broader audience and bridging the gap between traditional stock ownership and tokenized equity systems," said Greenberg.

Doug DeSchutter, President of Broadridge's Investor Communication Solutions, echoed this sentiment. He stated, "As tokenized securities continue to reshape global capital markets, investors should not have to choose between engaging in blockchain innovation and maintaining their shareholder rights. By extending our governance platform to support xStocks, we are ensuring that eligible token holders can participate in corporate governance while reinforcing our leadership in digital asset governance."

The deal comes at a time of accelerated growth for Payward Services, which has successfully launched over 500 tokenized asset offerings, spanning equities, ETFs, and pre-IPO opportunities. The xStocks framework currently dominates the market in terms of transaction volume, offering the broadest range of assets in the realm of tokenized equities. This development not only showcases the viability of tokenized assets but also highlights the increasing demand for seamless integration of digital finance with traditional investment strategies.

Eligible xStocks holders will be able to securely authenticate their identities on ProxyVote.com using Web3 authentication methods. This platform will provide a streamlined experience for reviewing proxy materials related to their holdings and submitting voting preferences digitally. The new features promise to deliver the robust governance standards expected from conventional capital markets while maintaining the accessibility and efficiency that digital assets offer.

Additional features of the new platform include:

• - Web3 Authentication: Secure access for eligible token holders to ProxyVote.com.
• - Digital Delivery of Proxy Materials: Streamlined notifications and documents for shareholders.
• - Proxy Voting Submission: Facilitating the voting process for supported tokenized securities, particularly within Payward's xStocks.
• - Unified Governance Experience: A consistent governance framework for all securities, whether traditional or tokenized.
• - Institutional-Grade Standards: Ensuring high levels of reporting and auditability through Broadridge’s established infrastructures.

This strategic alliance highlights Broadridge's ongoing commitment to advancing digital asset governance and emphasizes its vision for fortifying shareholder communications and voting methods as the landscape for tokenized securities continues to evolve. By intertwining traditional financial practices with blockchain innovations, Broadridge and Payward are setting a new standard in governance that could very well define the future of asset ownership in a digital world.

With the xStocks platform designed for interoperability, these tokenized equities can navigate seamlessly between centralized exchanges and decentralized finance applications. This capability is essential for unlocking fresh avenues for trading, collateralization, and broader financial applications. As of now, xStocks has witnessed billions in transaction volume and is expanding its reach to accommodate a diverse array of international markets, including the UK, Europe, and Asia.

In a rapidly changing financial ecosystem, Broadridge’s governance solutions position it as a leader, ready to facilitate the next wave of financial innovation while ensuring that investors retain the rights they expect, regardless of how their assets are structured or owned. The collaboration with Payward Services marks a fundamental advance in creating an inclusive financial future, allowing investors to engage actively and meaningfully in corporate governance processes.

For further details, visit xstocks.fi or payward.com.