{"id":"kast","title":"KAST","content":"**KAST** is a financial technology company that offers a global money application built on [stablecoins](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stablecoin), designed for users to store, earn, move, and spend funds internationally. The platform provides services such as US dollar accounts, high-yield earning vaults, global payment transfers, and a Visa card for spending. \n\nIt targets a global user base, including freelancers, remote workers, and [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) users, and operates by partnering with licensed financial institutions rather than functioning as a bank. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-2vmaYQOvPJ83dyc8) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW)​\n\n## Overview\n\nKAST positions itself as a [stablecoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stablecoin)-powered financial platform with a stated mission to create a fast, open, and borderless method for using money that is suited for the modern global economy. The company's vision is a world where all individuals have instant and frictionless access to US dollars and the tools to build wealth. The platform is designed to be \"global by default,\" offering its services in over 170 countries to a user base that it reports is in the millions, spanning from the Asia-Pacific region to the Americas. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-2vmaYQOvPJ83dyc8)​\n\nThe core of KAST's infrastructure is built upon [stablecoins](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stablecoin), integrated with a regulated network of both local and international payment rails, including standards like SWIFT and PIX. The platform aims to bridge traditional finance with the digital asset economy, allowing users to interact with both seamlessly. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-2vmaYQOvPJ83dyc8)​\n\nLegally, KAST operates as a financial technology company, not a chartered bank. Key services such as virtual accounts, payment cards, asset custody, and fiat on/off-ramps are delivered through an ecosystem of unnamed, licensed and regulated third-party partners. The availability of its services varies by jurisdiction and is subject to local regulatory approval. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-2vmaYQOvPJ83dyc8)​\n\n## Series A Funding\n\nOn March 9, 2026, KAST announced it had raised $80 million in a Series A funding round. The round was co-led by QED Investors and Left Lane Capital, with participation from Peak XV Partners, HSG, and DST Global Partners. According to the company's founder and CEO, Raagulan Pathy, the funding was secured less than 18 months after the company's launch. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-kcfXwJBM3rGONiLo)​\n\nAt the time of the announcement, KAST reported serving over one million users and processing nearly $5 billion in annualized transaction volume. The company stated that the capital would be used for several key initiatives:\n\n* Expanding its product offerings, including the launch of its KAST for Business platform.\n* Growing its presence in North America, Latin America, and the Middle East.\n* Investing in regulatory and compliance efforts.\n* Hiring new talent in engineering, compliance, and operations. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-kcfXwJBM3rGONiLo) [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-6VI1s1pKlmuBmD8W) \n\n## Services\n\nKAST organizes its core product offerings around four primary functions: Store, Earn, Move, and Spend. These services are augmented by platform-wide features such as cryptocurrency integration and a cashback program. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW)​\n\n### Store: Global USD Accounts\n\nThe \"Store\" function provides users with a US dollar-denominated account without the requirement of being a US resident. This feature is designed for global earners who receive payments in USD. The account includes a US account number and a routing number, enabling users to receive ACH payments and send wire transfers directly from the KAST platform. This service aims to provide a key piece of US financial infrastructure to international users. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW)​\n\n### Earn: Yield Generation\n\nKAST offers a yield-generating service called \"Earn,\" which allows users to earn a return on their capital held within the application. The platform advertises an annual percentage yield (APY) of up to 10%. This yield is generated through what the company terms \"risk-adjusted vaults.\" To provide this service, KAST partners with Gauntlet, a financial modeling platform for blockchain protocols, to gain access to institutional-grade yield strategies. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW)​\n\n### Move: KAST Pay\n\n\"Move\" is the platform's global money transfer service, branded as KAST Pay. It is designed to operate 24/7 for sending US dollars, various local currencies, or cryptocurrencies. The service is marketed as providing instant transfers with no hidden fees, aiming to offer an alternative to traditional remittance services that may involve delays and less transparent fee structures. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW)​\n\n### Spend: KAST Card\n\nThe \"Spend\" feature is centered around the KAST Card, a Visa-branded payment card. The card is accepted at a reported 150 million merchant locations worldwide. It allows users to spend their funds in two primary ways: they can spend their US dollar balance directly, or the platform can automatically convert the funds at the point of sale to one of over 18 supported local currencies. \n\nA key feature of the card is the absence of a monthly spending cap, allowing users to spend the entire available balance in their wallet. Additionally, the KAST Card includes a cashback program, offering a flat rate of up to 6% on all spending categories. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW)​\n\n## Cryptocurrency Integration\n\n​[Cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) is fundamental to the KAST platform's operation, particularly its use of stablecoins. The application is designed to facilitate the movement between traditional fiat currencies and digital assets. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW)​\n\nKey integration features include:\n\n* **Crypto Deposits:** Users can deposit several major cryptocurrencies directly into their KAST account, including [Solana](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana) (SOL), [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) (ETH), and [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) (BTC).\n* **Stablecoin Conversion and Use:** Once deposited, these crypto assets can be swapped within the app to [USDC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/usdc), a US dollar-pegged stablecoin. This [USDC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/usdc) balance then becomes the primary asset for spending via the KAST Card. The platform also supports both deposits and withdrawals of stablecoins directly.\n* **Solana Network:** KAST emphasizes its integration with the [Solana](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana) network, promoting its card as a tool to enable the spending of stablecoins across borders utilizing [Solana](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana)'s infrastructure. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW) [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-2vmaYQOvPJ83dyc8)\n\n## KAST for Business\n\nIn addition to its individual user-focused application, KAST offers a dedicated platform for corporate clients. This service, \"KAST for Business,\" is tailored to companies that operate globally and manage remote teams. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW)​\n\nThe business platform provides several key features:\n\n* **Global Team Payments:** The ability to instantly send payments to team members located around the world.\n* **Capital Movement:** Facilitates the movement of corporate capital without specified limits.\n* **Dedicated Support:** Business clients are offered what KAST describes as \"white-glove\" customer support. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW)\n\n## Security\n\nKAST states that it employs a multi-layered security architecture to protect user funds and data, partnering with several enterprise-grade security firms. The platform's transaction process involves instant identity verification and a real-time scan for fraudulent patterns before a transaction is approved. The company claims these measures provide \"bank-level security\" for crypto assets. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-2vmaYQOvPJ83dyc8)​\n\nSecurity measures and partnerships include:\n\n* **Infrastructure Security:** Partnerships with Fireblocks and [BitGo](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitgo) provide enterprise-grade infrastructure, institutional-level protection, and custody solutions.\n* **Threat and Fraud Monitoring:** The platform utilizes continuous threat monitoring and real-time fraud monitoring to detect and prevent malicious activity.\n* **Verification and Authentication:** Security is handled in partnership with Auth0 and Twilio. The platform mandates identity verification for all users.\n* **Vulnerability Programs:** KAST works with Immunefi, a bug bounty and security services platform for [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3).\n* **User-Level Security:** The application provides user-configurable security options, including biometric login (such as Face ID or fingerprint scan) and multi-factor authentication (MFA). [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-2vmaYQOvPJ83dyc8) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW)\n\n## Partnerships and Collaborations\n\nKAST has established a number of partnerships across the technology, security, and cryptocurrency ecosystems to build out its platform and services. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW) [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-2vmaYQOvPJ83dyc8)​\n\n### Technology and Feature Partners\n\n* **Solana:** KAST is deeply integrated with the [Solana](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana) blockchain, leveraging its network for cross-border stablecoin transactions. This partnership is highlighted as a core component of the platform's ability to facilitate fast and low-cost global payments.\n* **Gauntlet:** To power its \"Earn\" feature, KAST collaborates with Gauntlet. This partnership provides KAST users with access to institutional-grade savings vaults and yield-generation strategies developed by the financial modeling firm.\n\nThese technology and feature partnerships are central to KAST's product offerings. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW) [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-2vmaYQOvPJ83dyc8)​\n\n### Promotional Collaborations\n\n* **Pudgy Penguins:** KAST announced a collaboration with the NFT project Pudgy Penguins to launch the \"Pengu Card.\" This offering is a custom metal KAST Card available exclusively to holders of Pudgy Penguin NFTs. The card is designed to provide holders with exclusive access to events or features and boosted rewards on their spending.\n\nThis collaboration represents KAST's engagement with specific communities within the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) ecosystem. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW)​\n\n### Ecosystem and Institutional Connections\n\n* **Y Combinator:** KAST has a connection to the Y Combinator startup accelerator, evidenced by an active offer that provides $40,000 in value to YC graduate companies. This suggests a strategic focus on servicing startups and founders within the YC ecosystem.\n* **Stripe:** A mention in Stripe's 2025 annual letter signifies KAST's recognition by a major leader in the financial technology industry.\n\nThese connections indicate KAST's efforts to embed itself within the broader tech and startup landscape. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-JqnwPAkPSAGXJbYW)​\n\n## Leadership\n\nThe leadership team at KAST is composed of individuals with professional experience from established companies in the finance and cryptocurrency sectors, including [Circle](https://iq.wiki/wiki/circle), Phantom, Revolut, and Wise. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-2vmaYQOvPJ83dyc8)​\n\nThe executive team includes:\n\n* Raagulan Pathy: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)\n* James Butland: Chief Business Officer (CBO)\n* Sam Kerrins: Chief Operating Officer (COO)\n* Reto Wolf: Chief Product Officer (CPO)\n* Sameera Nilupul: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)\n* Ryan Parsons: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-2vmaYQOvPJ83dyc8) ","summary":"KAST is a fintech company offering a global money application powered by stablecoins. 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