MEXC and Payward Showcase Crypto-TradFi Synergy at TOKEN2049

October 9, 2026 – Representatives from MEXC, known as a pioneer in 0-fee digital asset trading, and Payward, the parent company of Kraken, shared their viewpoints regarding the merging of cryptocurrency and traditional finance during a panel at TOKEN2049 Singapore. MEXC CEO Vugar Usi Zade and Payward Co-CEO Arjun Sethi explored how retail demand, broader market accessibility, and platform cooperation could help define the future of global trading.

Crypto and TradFi Move Closer Together

A central topic of discussion was the ongoing transition toward interconnected, round-the-clock markets. Vugar noted that blockchain infrastructure is actively disrupting traditional market models constrained by fixed operating hours, while customers increasingly demand smooth access to various asset classes.

“Over the next five years, we’ll see a convergence toward a singular platform where asset classes and investments can move quickly and smoothly,” said Vugar. “Retail will be the main driver.”

Arjun addressed the underlying infrastructure challenges associated with this shift, explaining that 24/7 trading ultimately revolves around unifying assets and collateral within a cohesive financial ecosystem.

“24/7 trading really means: how do you bring all that collateral into one place?” said Arjun.

Collaboration Over Competition

Both leaders underscored teamwork as a critical component for scaling the next generation of worldwide trading platforms.

Arjun stated that catering to a significantly larger international user base will necessitate collaborating with allies that possess distinct advantages in their respective regions, specifically mentioning MEXC as a prime example.

“The only way to do that is to partner with folks, including MEXC, to be able to help succeed in their core markets,” said Arjun.

Similarly, Vugar stressed that exchanges can increasingly leverage each other’s strengths instead of treating every prospect as a strict rivalry. MEXC contributes a retail-focused strategy, robust liquidity, and extensive expertise in perpetual markets spanning both crypto and traditional assets, whereas Payward offers global financial architecture, professional trading utilities, and a strong market foothold in the United States.

This dialogue expanded upon the companies’ prior statements indicating they are actively investigating broader partnerships. Both executives pointed to infrastructure, market access and distribution as primary areas where enhanced platform connectivity can generate value.

Furthermore, trust and access were underscored as fundamental pillars for this development. Vugar characterized trust and access as pivotal elements for constructing future financial systems, and Arjun highlighted the significance of transparency as the sector grows more interconnected.

Ultimately, the panel signaled an upcoming reality where digital assets and traditional finance merge further, with joint efforts between platforms uniting market access, infrastructure and user reach to serve an expanded international audience.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is a leading global multi-asset trading platform built as your 0-fee gateway to infinite opportunities. Serving users across 170+ markets, MEXC provides simple and efficient access to crypto, stocks, tokenized assets, derivatives, and a growing range of TradFi-linked opportunities through one account and one gateway.

With 0 trading fees, deep liquidity, broad asset coverage, and a high-performance trading experience, MEXC is designed for retail users who want to discover earlier, act faster, and trade with fewer barriers. As crypto and traditional finance continue to converge, MEXC is committed to making global opportunities more accessible, helping users trade freely and MEXCmize every opportunity.

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For media inquiries, please contact MEXC PR team: media@mexc.com

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Risk Disclaimer:

This content does not constitute investment advice. Given the volatility of financial markets, including digital assets, tokenized assets, and traditional financial products, investors should carefully assess market conditions, underlying asset fundamentals, and potential financial risks before making any investment or trading decisions.

Short FAQs

What companies participated in the TOKEN2049 panel discussion?

MEXC (represented by CEO Vugar Usi Zade) and Payward, the parent company of Kraken (represented by Co-CEO Arjun Sethi), participated in the panel.

What is the main driver of the convergence between crypto and traditional finance, according to MEXC’s CEO?

Vugar Usi Zade stated that retail users will be the primary driver behind the convergence toward unified multi-asset platforms.

What does 24/7 trading mean from an infrastructure perspective, according to Payward’s Co-CEO?

Arjun Sethi explained that 24/7 trading is fundamentally about bringing all assets and collateral into one connected financial environment.

What areas are MEXC and Payward exploring for potential collaboration?

The executives pointed to infrastructure, market access, and distribution as key areas where greater connectivity between platforms could create mutual value.

What core strengths does MEXC bring to the partnership?

MEXC offers a retail-first approach, deep liquidity, and extensive experience in perpetual markets across both cryptocurrency and traditional finance assets.