BNPL giant Klarna explores building in-app crypto wallet in partnership with Privy
The partnership is currently a research and development effort, with any product launch contingent on regulatory approvals.
Key Takeaways
- Klarna is collaborating with Privy to explore building a crypto wallet within its app.
- The initiative follows Klarna's launch of the KlarnaUSD stablecoin and aims to make crypto usage more accessible.
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Klarna, the Swedish “buy now, pay later” fintech giant, is collaborating with Privy, a crypto wallet provider recently acquired by Stripe, to research and potentially develop an in-app crypto wallet, according to a Thursday announcement.
Discussing the move, CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski said Klarna’s widespread consumer trust is an opportunity to integrate crypto into everyday financial routines. Partnering with Privy, the company aims to create wallet solutions that feel as seamless as its existing features.
“Millions already trust Klarna to help them manage everyday spending, saving and shopping. That puts us in a unique position to bring crypto into the financial lives of normal people, not just early adopters,” Siemiatkowski stated.
Siemiatkowski, previously cautious about crypto, now views the space as mature and promising.
“The technology has matured, and with Privy we plan to build products that feel as intuitive as any other Klarna feature. This is how mainstream adoption happens: simple, safe, and part of daily life,” he noted.
Privy, whose infrastructure supports over 100 million accounts and platforms like OpenSea, will help Klarna ensure the wallet is secure, intuitive, and scalable.
“We’re proud to partner with world-class fintechs like Klarna, providing the secure, enterprise-ready infrastructure they need,” said Henri Stern, CEO and co-founder of Privy. “Privy aims to be the backbone for any business that wants to harness the exciting capabilities crypto and stablecoins offer.”
Industry data shows that hundreds of millions of consumers already hold digital assets, demonstrating huge mainstream potential.
Klarna’s European banking license positions it among a select group of banks exploring consumer-friendly crypto solutions, the company stated.
The initiative deepens Klarna’s ties with Stripe.
The company recently rolled out the KlarnaUSD stablecoin in partnership with Tempo and Bridge. The product aims to improve international payments by reducing costs and eliminating intermediaries like the SWIFT network.
