Kraken’s Bold Leap: Crypto Derivatives Now Available in the EU! 🚀

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In a move that can only be described as audacious, the digital asset exchange behemoth, Kraken, has decided to strut its stuff across the European stage. Yes, dear reader, they’ve managed to secure regulatory approval to peddle crypto derivatives in the European Union, following a rather cheeky acquisition of a license in the sun-kissed paradise of Cyprus. 🌴

Kraken Gains Ground in the European Market

According to the exchange’s rather self-congratulatory announcement, Kraken has received the proverbial green light to expand its crypto derivatives services to users across the European Economic Area. This delightful turn of events was made possible after the platform acquired a Cypriot investment firm earlier this year—because who doesn’t want to own a piece of Cyprus, right?

The acquisition granted Kraken a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license, which sounds terribly important and official. This shiny new permit allows the cryptocurrency entity to serve both retail and institutional investors in the EU, courtesy of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). One can only imagine the celebratory champagne corks popping in the boardroom! 🍾

It’s worth noting that this latest update is merely a chapter in Kraken’s grand growth strategy. In a recent report, Coinspeaker noted that Kraken now offers commission-free access to US-listed stocks and ETFs for clients in ten American states. Because why not throw in a little stock trading while you’re at it?

And let’s not forget, this recent update follows a similar rollout in the United Kingdom, where officials graciously granted the exchange access to start offering regulated derivatives trading under the watchful eye of the Financial Conduct Authority. How very civilized!

Now, users in EU countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, and others, will gain access to Kraken’s existing set of perpetual and fixed maturity futures contracts. According to Kraken’s Head of Exchange, Shannon Kurtas, these contracts already account for a staggering trading volume, estimated to range between $1 billion and $2 billion daily. Yes, you read that right—billion with a ‘B’! 💰

Kurtas has stated that the focus is not on launching new contracts, but rather on improving existing products that are already well established with strong liquidity and mature markets. Because who needs innovation when you can just polish the old stuff?

She mentioned that the necessary infrastructure is already in place, allowing for lower execution costs and greater efficiency for users moving funds in and out of the system. How convenient!

Derivative Trading Now a Core Business for Kraken Exchange

Crypto derivatives have become a major part of Kraken’s global offering, with the firm estimating that derivatives now make up much of its overall trading activity. On a broader scale, global crypto markets have seen derivatives dominate, accounting for up to 75% of total volume. It’s almost as if they’ve discovered the secret sauce of trading!

Since the US SEC dropped its lawsuit, Kraken has expanded its horizons. Its growth includes acquiring Crypto Facilities, a UK-based futures platform, and NinjaTrader, a US derivatives platform. These moves show Kraken’s aim to lead regulated crypto markets, or at least to look very important while doing so.

The crypto exchange recently introduced its Embed application in Europe, allowing neobanks and fintech platforms to offer their customers both spot and derivatives trading. Larger crypto firms are increasingly turning to agile jurisdictions such as Cyprus and Malta, which help them gain regulatory approval more quickly. Because who doesn’t love a good loophole?

It is essential to add that the EU is one of the fastest-growing areas for digital assets. Kraken’s move places it in a strong position to meet the region’s increasing demand for regulated and efficient derivatives trading. Bravo, Kraken! 🎉

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2025-05-21 15:11