Kraken’s US derivatives launch reflects broader ‘unified access’ trend

Key Points

1. Kraken Pro now offers CME-listed crypto futures following its acquisition of NinjaTrader, a CFTC-registered FCM license holder.

2. The company plans to expand into commodity, fixed income, FX, and equity derivatives, recognizing the higher-margin potential compared to spot trading.

3. Coinbase's $2.9 billion intent to buy Deribit highlights the industry's focus on expanding derivatives markets, particularly outside the US.

4. The trend includes offering tokenized stocks and ETFs, providing exposure to underlying asset prices without direct ownership.

5. The move aligns with a broader industry shift towards seamless, cross-asset trading opportunities.