Kraken Opens US Futures Trading as Congress Advances Landmark Crypto Bills

Key Points

1. Kraken launched a regulated crypto futures platform for U.S. clients, allowing trading of CME-listed Bitcoin and Ethereum contracts alongside spot crypto assets on Kraken Pro.

2. The launch builds on Kraken’s March acquisition of retail brokerage NinjaTrader, leveraging its regulatory infrastructure to establish a compliant pathway into derivatives trading.

3. Kraken aims to compete with CME Group and other major players in the U.S. derivatives market under CFTC oversight.

4. The move coincides with legislative developments, including the GENIUS Act and CLARITY Act, which aim to create a clearer regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in the U.S.

5. The SEC has dropped investigations into several crypto firms, including Kraken, signaling a potential shift in regulatory focus toward the CFTC.