Crypto exchange Kraken has officially launched Europe’s largest regulated crypto derivatives platform, designed for clients within the European Economic Area (EEA). This announcement introduces various trading options, including perpetual and fixed-maturity futures.
Growth in Europe
Recall that Kraken began its crypto derivatives journey in Europe in February when it acquired the Cyprus-based investment firm. This acquisition earned the crypto custodian platform a MiFID II license, approved by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). The license enables the exchange to offer a comprehensive range of crypto derivatives, including perpetual and fixed-maturity futures, all within a robust regulatory framework.
Shannon Kurtas, Kraken’s Head of Exchange, noted the increasing demand for regulated trading options, identifying Europe as a fast-growing region for digital asset trading with clients seeking comprehensive offerings.
The platform boasts institutional-grade infrastructure, deep liquidity, and flexible collateral options, enabling traders to optimize capital and manage risks effectively. The crypto exchange’s commitment to compliance and futures integration sets a new standard for crypto trading in Europe.
Kraken Expands Business
This is not Kraken’s first attempt at regulated derivatives. In 2019, the exchange acquired Crypto Facilities, a UK-based, FCA-regulated futures platform, establishing one of the deepest global liquidity pools for crypto derivatives. This move laid the groundwork for Kraken’s dominance in the sector, with daily trading volumes now reaching $1 billion to $2 billion.
More recently, the crypto exchange expanded its U.S. presence by acquiring NinjaTrader, a retail futures trading platform, for $1.5 billion in March 2025. This acquisition would expand Kraken’s customer base and enable it to offer crypto futures and derivatives in the U.S.
These achievements highlight the crypto exchange’s commitment to bridging traditional and crypto markets, offering clients a comprehensive, compliant trading experience across multiple regions.
Kraken’s launch of Europe’s largest regulated crypto derivatives platform marks an important moment in its efforts to enhance crypto-related services. With its MiFID II-compliant platform and a growing global footprint, Kraken is positioned to capture the rising demand for regulated digital asset products.
As competitors like Coinbase and Gemini ramp up their own derivatives offerings, all eyes remain focused on the crypto exchange’s next move, likely a potentially deeper expansion into multi-asset trading or new markets.
