Shares of Bakkt (BKKT) surged 7% on February 13, 2026, closing at $10.77, after crypto lender Nexo confirmed it will use Bakkt’s infrastructure for its return to the U.S. market.
The stock climbed as high as $11.36 intraday, as investors reacted to news that Nexo’s relaunch will run through Bakkt’s regulated trading and custody framework.
The move highlights how infrastructure providers, not just token issuers, are benefiting from renewed institutional activity in the U.S.
Why the Market Reacted
Nexo’s formal re-entry into the United States follows a three-year absence caused by regulatory disputes. Its return requires a compliant operational setup, and that’s where Bakkt comes in.
Under the partnership:
- Bakkt provides regulated digital asset trading infrastructure
- Custody and compliance systems enable Nexo to offer yield, exchange, and crypto-backed credit services
- The structure is designed to meet current U.S. regulatory standards
For Bakkt, the agreement supports its strategic pivot toward institutional-grade infrastructure, tokenization services, and stablecoin payment rails. The company divested its loyalty rewards business in late 2025 to focus more directly on digital asset infrastructure.
The Nexo deal reinforces that shift.
BKKT Stock: Volatile Year, Short-Term Pressure
Despite the 7% rally, BKKT remains a volatile equity.
52-week range:
- Low: $6.81
- High: $49.79
The stock has experienced significant swings over the past year. Even with Thursday’s gain, BKKT is still down approximately 19.57% over the last 10 trading days, reflecting broader equity market corrections and pressure on digital asset-linked stocks.
As of February 16, 2026:
- Market capitalization: ~$275 million
- Next earnings report: March 18, 2026
- Expected EPS: -$0.47
Bigger Picture
The reaction suggests investors view Bakkt as a leveraged play on regulatory-compliant crypto infrastructure in the U.S.
If more platforms choose to re-enter the market through compliant partners, Bakkt could see additional demand for its backend systems. However, the company still faces earnings pressure and remains sensitive to broader crypto market conditions.
For now, the takeaway is clear: Nexo’s return didn’t just move crypto markets, it gave Bakkt stock a timely boost.
