Bakkt Confirms DTR Acquisition Plan, Stock Gains 10% Post-Announcement

TLDR

• Bakkt announced it will acquire stablecoin payments firm Distributed Technologies Research in an all-stock transaction.
• The acquisition is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval before completion.
• Bakkt shares rose by approximately 10 percent following the acquisition announcement.
• The deal is backed by Intercontinental Exchange which is Bakkt’s largest shareholder.
• Bakkt plans to enhance its global stablecoin settlement and programmable payments platform through this acquisition.

Crypto services company Bakkt confirmed plans to acquire Distributed Technologies Research Ltd. (DTR) in an all-stock transaction, pushing its shares up 10% on Monday, with the deal contingent on both regulatory and shareholder approval, signaling an advancement in Bakkt’s strategy to build a unified global payments infrastructure.

Bakkt Strengthens Stablecoin Platform Through Acquisition

Bakkt announced it will fully acquire DTR, a stablecoin payments firm, through an all-stock transaction. The company stated that the deal remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.

The acquisition aims to enhance Bakkt’s global stablecoin settlement and programmable payments capabilities. The move also supports the firm’s expansion into payment and banking infrastructure.

Intercontinental Exchange, Bakkt’s largest shareholder, supports the transaction. This backing reflects confidence in the firm’s long-term roadmap.

CEO Akshay Naheta said the deal “realizes a long-term plan to create a single financial infrastructure platform globally.” He added that Bakkt will combine its regulatory base with DTR’s technology to serve merchants, institutions, and users.

Bakkt seeks to provide a seamless solution linking traditional finance compliance with the speed and flexibility of blockchain systems. The combined platform targets both cross-border payments and on-chain financial applications.

DTR’s ION Network to Boost Programmable Payments

In May 2025, Bakkt announced plans to integrate DTR’s ION Network into its regulated architecture. This integration focuses on stablecoin-based cross-border payments and AI-enabled programmable finance.

The ION Network supports blockchain-native infrastructure that simplifies global transactions. Its compatibility with compliance frameworks makes it suitable for financial institutions.

Bakkt stated the technology will play a key role in its programmable payments expansion. The company expects the unified system to bring new operational efficiencies.

Mike Alfred, a board member and part of the special committee, said the acquisition will “consolidate stablecoin settlement infrastructure.” He added it will prepare Bakkt for launching its neobanking model in the near term.

The company is engaging with multiple distribution partners to activate its neobanking rollout. Bakkt plans to scale this approach in the coming months.

Name Change and Market Focus Reinforce Growth Direction

Bakkt plans to change its corporate name to Bakkt, Inc. while keeping the ticker symbol ‘BKKT’ on the New York Stock Exchange. This name update aligns with its broader strategic direction.

The company originally started as a Bitcoin futures trading platform. Over time, it diversified into crypto payments and trading services.

The DTR acquisition reflects Bakkt’s focus on expanding its infrastructure for digital finance. This will include tools for merchants and institutions seeking scalable payment solutions.

The company emphasized that its platform will maintain strict compliance standards. This framework will help bridge centralized and decentralized systems effectively.

Bakkt confirmed that the acquisition supports its global ambitions. The firm is targeting growth beyond crypto-native markets.

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