Article Summary

**Kraken Dominates EU Cryptocurrency Lobbying Scene, Outspending Coinbase in 2024** Kraken's parent company Payward has emerged as the leading cryptocurrency lobbying force in the European Union, spending between $323,000-$430,000 in 2024 and surpassing major competitor Coinbase. According to new data from Corporate Europe Observatory and LobbyControl, this significant investment in EU regulatory influence demonstrates Kraken's strategic commitment to shaping favorable blockchain and digital asset policies across European markets. The substantial lobbying expenditure highlights the intensifying competition among major cryptocurrency exchanges to influence regulatory frameworks affecting Bitcoin, DeFi protocols, and broader crypto market operations. Payward's aggressive lobbying approach employs dedicated personnel to navigate complex EU cryptocurrency regulations, positioning Kraken advantageously as European lawmakers develop comprehensive digital asset legislation. This development underscores the critical importance of regulatory compliance and political influence in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape. As European authorities continue crafting blockchain regulations, exchanges like Kraken are investing heavily to ensure favorable market conditions for Bitcoin trading, DeFi innovation, and cryptocurrency adoption across EU member states, potentially impacting future market dynamics and institutional crypto investment flows.