DeFi Technologies Inc. (DEFT) announced that QCAD, the Canadian dollar‑denominated stablecoin issued by its venture portfolio company Stablecorp, has begun trading on Kraken, one of the world’s largest digital‑asset exchanges. The listing, effective April 21, 2026, extends QCAD’s distribution beyond Canada and gives institutional and retail investors worldwide access to a regulated, fiat‑backed token that can be used for payments, treasury management and other blockchain‑based services.
QCAD is Canada’s first compliant CAD stablecoin, having received approval of its prospectus from Canadian securities regulators. The stablecoin is fully backed by reserves held by VersaBank, a federally regulated Schedule I bank, and is designed to maintain a 1:1 peg to the Canadian dollar. While the stablecoin’s current market capitalization and reserve holdings are not publicly disclosed, the regulatory approval and backing by a regulated custodian give it a strong foundation for global use.
DeFi Technologies, which first announced a strategic investment in Stablecorp in September 2025, is a key partner in the launch. The company’s role as an investor and collaborator has helped shape QCAD’s compliance framework and infrastructure. By adding Kraken to its list of trading venues, DeFi Technologies opens new revenue streams from trading fees and liquidity provision, reinforcing its strategy of building compliant digital‑asset solutions that bridge traditional finance and decentralized protocols.
The launch comes at a time when Canadian and U.S. regulators are tightening oversight of stablecoin issuers, and the Bank of Canada has paused its retail CBDC work. QCAD’s presence on Kraken therefore fills an immediate demand for a regulated CAD‑denominated stablecoin, providing Canadian participants with a reliable digital alternative while enabling global participants to engage with Canada’s digital economy.
Management and partner executives highlighted the significance of the milestone. CEO Johan Wattenström said, “The launch of QCAD on Kraken is an important milestone for Stablecorp and for the broader development of digital asset infrastructure in Canada.” Mark Greenberg, Global Head of Consumer at Kraken, added, “Canadians are leading digital asset adoption because they want more financial choice. Listing QCAD on Kraken helps meet that demand with a compliant, Canadian Dollar‑denominated stablecoin – and it makes it easier for global participants to engage with Canada’s digital economy. We are excited for this practical step toward bringing the traditional financial system onchain.” Kesem Frank, CEO of Stablecorp, noted, “Meeting Kraken’s rigorous listing standards further validates QCAD as an important crypto instrument, capable of supporting global flows; we are excited to expand the ‘Global Gateway’ for Canadians, allowing them to seamlessly benefit from the opportunities of global digital markets.”
The listing strengthens DeFi Technologies’ position as a provider of regulated digital‑asset solutions and signals a broader shift toward compliant stablecoins in the Canadian market. With QCAD now available on a global exchange, the company is poised to capture increased liquidity and trading activity, while reinforcing its commitment to building infrastructure that supports the integration of traditional finance with decentralized protocols.
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