Just-In: Kraken Allows PayPal Stablecoin (PYUSD) Trading

Crypto exchange Kraken has confirmed it will begin trading PayPal’s stablecoin, PayPal (PYUSD) from August 21, further solidifying the stablecoin’s growing presence in the digital asset market. The support encompasses deposits and withdrawals, with the caveat that transactions must be worth at least $5.00 and confined to the Ethereum blockchain.

Kraken’s decision follows several other exchanges that have added PYUSD to their platforms since PayPal introduced the stablecoin on August 7. The digital asset is fully-backed and pegged to the U.S. dollar, contributing to its rapid adoption in the market. ByBit, Changelly, and Huobi have all included PYUSD in their offerings, and on-chain data shows a robust market activity, with $26.9 million worth of PYUSD already issued.

Hardware Wallet Ledger Integrates with PayPal

Additionally, hardware manufacturer Ledger has partnered with PayPal to provide a secure platform for users to access cryptocurrencies. The integration allows U.S. users to purchase digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin using their linked PayPal accounts through the Ledger Live companion app. 

The acquired assets are automatically transferred to the user’s Ledger hardware wallet, streamlining the buying process. However, this partnership does not include access to PYUSD through Ledger, which leaves the stablecoin’s reach limited to exchanges for the time being.

Regulation for Stablecoins

Despite the growing acceptance of PYUSD, regulatory concerns around stablecoins persist. U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters has voiced the need for comprehensive oversight of stablecoins, like PayPal’s PYUSD, to safeguard users and ensure financial stability. Waters’ concerns are not unfounded, considering that PayPal’s enormous global customer base surpasses many central banks.

The introduction of PayPal’s stablecoin PYUSD has significantly impacted the digital asset market, marked by its inclusion on major exchanges like Kraken and growing user adoption. However, the broader implications of this trend are yet to be seen as the regulatory environment adapts to these new financial technologies.