SMX Secures Institutional Crypto Custody to Support Future Plastic Cycle Token
New York, Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
SMX prioritizes governance over immediate monetization, utilizing this Kraken account to build compliant “rails” for its Plastic Cycle Token before regulatory standards are fully mandated.
Establishing Infrastructure for Verified Value
On January 20, 2026, SMX (NASDAQ:SMX) officially announced the opening of a corporate account with the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken [1][5]. While this development might resemble a standard treasury disclosure, the company has framed it as a deliberate infrastructure investment designed to create the ‘PCT rails’—a foundational system for its Plastic Cycle Token (PCT) [3]. This move is characterized not by immediate transactional activity, but by a focus on preparedness, ensuring that the necessary custody, accounting, and governance protocols are in place before commercial pressures or regulatory mandates force the issue [1][2]. Unlike retail access, SMX’s corporate engagement with Kraken subjects the firm to enhanced due diligence and compliance standards, aligning the digital asset strategy with institutional financial controls [1].
Operationalizing the Circular Economy
The Plastic Cycle Token is being developed as a virtual credit linked specifically to verified recycled plastic activity, distinct from general-purpose digital currencies [1]. The ‘PCT rails’ are intended to provide a structured path for this verified recovery to be quantified, tracked, and eventually monetized as a credible asset class [3]. By integrating Kraken’s custody solutions, SMX seeks to establish a system where verified physical outcomes—such as plastic recovery—can be digitally represented and audited with transparency [2][3]. This setup is designed to support balance sheet assets under formal oversight, addressing governance requirements before the token is commercially launched [2].
Financial Context and Recent Volatility
This strategic pivot occurs amidst a period of significant volatility and capital restructuring for SMX. As of January 19, 2026, the company’s stock was trading at $23.51, representing a decline of 2.74% on the day [4]. Another source places the share price at $24.17 around this period, noting that the stock is trading significantly below its 200-day moving average of $1,341.68 [2]. This price disparity highlights the stock’s recent downward trajectory, further evidenced by a 52-week range spanning from a low of $3.12 to a high of $16,266.53 [2].