Kraken Launches Regulated Crypto Derivatives Platform in Britain

Kraken is ramping up its derivatives business in the UK with the full launch of its regulated crypto trading platform for professional users.

Operating through its FCA-authorized Multilateral Trading Facility, the offering enables advanced products like multi-collateral perpetual contracts, aimed at institutions seeking capital-efficient tools in the digital asset space.

Initially rolled out quietly, the platform is now open to all eligible clients following a required onboarding process.

Kraken’s head of derivatives, Alexia Theodorou, says the firm is prioritizing this segment due to the growing global appetite for crypto derivatives, which already make up the majority of trading volume in the sector.

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To support its broader strategy, Kraken has also secured regulatory footholds beyond the UK—including a MiFID II-licensed entity in Cyprus and U.S.-based broker NinjaTrader.

These moves are part of a long-term effort to scale globally while adapting to fragmented regulatory environments that still limit access in key markets like the U.S. and parts of Asia.

Amid its derivatives expansion, Kraken is also entering traditional finance. It recently introduced stock trading in the U.S., with over 11,000 equities and ETFs available commission-free. The firm, which earned $1.5 billion last year, is rumored to be preparing for a public listing after a lengthy legal clash with the SEC was recently dismissed.

Alexander Stefanov