What You Need to Know
- The crypto exchange Kraken has initiated its regulated crypto derivatives trading platform in the U.S.
- This development occurs at a time when competition amongst crypto exchanges is intensifying, prompting numerous acquisitions.
- Additionally, Kraken intends to diversify its derivatives offerings to cover commodities, fixed income, foreign exchange, and equity futures later this year.
Crypto exchange Kraken launched its derivatives trading platform on July 15, 2025, which complies with U.S. regulations as part of a strategy for expansion across various asset classes.
This new platform, named Kraken Derivatives US, merges futures trading with existing spot crypto market offerings, providing traders with a unified framework to oversee their margin and risk exposure efficiently. The service facilitates immediate collateral transfers between spot and futures positions.
Initially, the platform is accessible in states like Vermont, West Virginia, North Dakota, Mississippi, and the District of Columbia, with plans to extend to additional states.
The exchange’s entry into derivatives highlights the industry’s shift towards creating integrated marketplaces that consolidate various asset types, amidst growing competition with traditional trading venues. Recently, Kraken acquired NinjaTrader, a CFTC-registered futures trading platform, for $1.5 billion, further asserting its presence in the U.S. crypto derivatives market.
