Kraken Engages Community in Naming Ink Network Mascot via Blockchain Contest

Kraken, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has launched a unique community contest to name the mascot for its Ethereum Layer 2 network, Ink. Hosted on the JokeRace platform, the initiative leverages blockchain technology to allow participants to submit and vote on name ideas while earning rewards. This move highlights Kraken's dedication to fostering community involvement and innovation within its ecosystem. The Ink network, built using the OP Stack, aims to enhance Ethereum's scalability and efficiency, further solidifying Kraken's position as a pioneer in the crypto space. The contest not only engages users but also showcases the potential of decentralized community-driven projects.

Kraken Launches Community Contest to Name Ink Network Mascot via JokeRace Platform

Kraken is leveraging blockchain technology to engage its community in naming the mascot for its ethereum Layer 2 network, Ink. The contest, hosted on JokeRace, allows participants to submit and vote on name ideas while earning rewards. This initiative underscores Kraken's commitment to fostering community involvement in its ecosystem.

The Ink network, built using the OP Stack, aims to enhance Ethereum's scalability with lower transaction fees. The purple cartoon monster mascot symbolizes the network's identity, and Kraken is turning to its user base to define its character. JokeRace's onchain voting mechanism ensures transparency and decentralized participation.

By integrating gamification and rewards, Kraken is setting a precedent for how crypto projects can cultivate loyalty and creativity among users. The move aligns with broader industry trends where Layer 2 solutions prioritize both technical innovation and community-driven branding.

Kraken and Backed Expand Tokenized Stocks to BNB Chain as RWA Momentum Accelerates

Crypto exchange Kraken and tokenized asset issuer Backed Finance are bringing tokenized equities to the BNB Chain, enabling round-the-clock trading of stocks like Apple and Nvidia. The collaboration introduces BEP-20 tokens representing U.S. equities, including Apple (AAPLx), Tesla (TSLAx), and S&P 500 ETF (SPYx), to BNB Chain's ecosystem.

BNB Chain's entry into the xStocks Alliance—a network of exchanges and DeFi protocols—marks a strategic push to integrate traditional assets with crypto infrastructure. Kraken plans to support deposits and withdrawals of xStocks tokens via BNB Chain in coming weeks, while Backed aims to deepen DeFi interoperability for equity tokens as collateral or cross-protocol assets.

"This is the beginning of an always-on equity market—permissionless, transparent, and built for the internet," said Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi. The MOVE highlights the industry's race to tokenize real-world assets, leveraging blockchain for atomic settlement and composability with derivatives and lending markets.