Kraken Derivatives US has officially launched to expand access to CME-listed cryptocurrency futures and derivatives through its Kraken Pro platform. This new venture targets qualified US clients in select states and Washington D.C., offering institutional-grade products under Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversight while navigating the complex regulatory landscape through a phased state-by-state rollout.
The launch follows Kraken’s $1.5 billion acquisition of NinjaTrader, a strategic move to bolster its futures trading infrastructure and secure critical regulatory licenses. This acquisition accelerates Kraken’s expansion across multiple asset classes, providing advanced tools for derivatives traders seeking compliant market access.
Kraken Derivatives US enters during significant industry growth in crypto derivatives, projected to surpass $23 trillion in volume annually. Expansion is primarily fueled by institutional adoption of Bitcoin futures and perpetual contracts, the latter seeing a 150% volume surge in the past year with notable contributions from decentralized exchanges.
Product offerings emphasize perpetual contracts—derivative instruments without expiration dates—facilitating sustained trading strategies and heightened market liquidity. Kraken underscores rigorous compliance with CFTC requirements, positioning its platform to meet institutional demands for secure and regulated derivatives exposure.