MEXC and Payward CEOs Envision Crypto-TradFi Fusion Driven by Retail Demand

MEXC CEO Vugar Usi Zade and Payward Co-CEO Arjun Sethi predicted a complete convergence of crypto and traditional finance within five years, stating that retail users will be the primary driver of this shift during a panel at TOKEN2049 Singapore on October 9, 2026.

The two executives discussed how blockchain infrastructure is challenging traditional market structures built around fixed trading hours. Users increasingly expect access to different asset classes through a seamless, always-on experience. This shift requires a fundamental change in how financial platforms operate and interact with one another.

Five-Year Convergence Prediction

Usi Zade outlined a timeline for the integration of digital assets and traditional financial products. He described a future where asset classes and investments move quickly and smoothly across a singular platform. Retail demand will push this integration forward, according to the MEXC chief executive.

Sethi focused on the infrastructure challenges behind this transition. He noted that 24/7 trading is ultimately about bringing assets and collateral into a more connected financial environment. The core question for platforms is how to consolidate that collateral in a way that supports continuous market access.

The discussion highlighted the technical and structural work required to support this convergence. Both executives agreed that the current separation between crypto and traditional markets is becoming less relevant to users who want broader access to global opportunities.

Collaboration Over Competition

Both speakers emphasized collaboration as a key strategy for scaling the next generation of global trading platforms. Sethi stated that serving a larger global user base requires platforms to work with partners that bring different strengths to their respective markets. He explicitly identified MEXC as an example of a partner capable of helping platforms succeed in their core markets.

Usi Zade echoed this sentiment, noting that exchanges can increasingly build on one another’s strengths rather than approaching every opportunity through competition. MEXC brings a retail-first approach, deep liquidity, and broad experience in perpetual markets across crypto and traditional finance assets. Payward contributes global financial infrastructure, professional trading capabilities, and strong market experience in the United States.

The panel discussion built on the two companies’ earlier indication that they are exploring broader collaboration. Both executives pointed to infrastructure, market access, and distribution as specific areas where greater connectivity between platforms could create value. This approach allows each company to leverage its existing strengths while expanding its reach into new user segments.

Trust and access emerged as essential foundations for this evolution. Usi Zade described trust and access as two of the most important elements in building future financial platforms. Sethi emphasized the importance of transparency as the industry becomes more connected. These factors will determine how quickly users adopt integrated trading environments.

Platform Strengths and Market Reach

MEXC, founded in 2018, serves users across more than 170 markets. The platform provides access to crypto, stocks, tokenized assets, derivatives, and a growing range of traditional finance-linked opportunities through a single account. MEXC offers zero trading fees and is designed for retail users who want to discover opportunities earlier and trade with fewer barriers.

Payward, the parent company of Kraken, brings professional trading capabilities and global financial infrastructure to the table. Its experience in the United States market provides a strong foundation for integrating traditional finance products with digital asset platforms. The collaboration between the two companies aims to combine these distinct strengths to serve a broader global audience.

The executives indicated that the next phase of this integration will focus on practical implementation. They plan to explore how their respective infrastructures can connect to support smoother asset movement and broader market access. This work will involve technical integration and regulatory coordination across different jurisdictions.

The panel concluded with a focus on the long-term potential of platform collaboration. Usi Zade and Sethi agreed that the future of global trading will be defined by the ability of platforms to work together. This approach will allow users to access a wider range of assets with greater efficiency and transparency.