Kraken, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has officially launched regulated crypto derivatives trading throughout Europe. This move follows its approval under the European Union’s MiFID II framework and marks a major milestone in the exchange’s ongoing global expansion.
By acquiring Greenfield Wealth, a Cyprus-based investment firm, Kraken secured a crucial license from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This regulatory approval enables the platform to offer its full suite of crypto derivatives—including perpetual and fixed maturity futures contracts—to both retail and institutional clients across the European Economic Area (EEA).
A Strategic Move Into the European Market
The addition of regulated derivatives trading in Europe positions Kraken alongside other major players like Coinbase, Bitstamp, and Gemini, all of which are expanding their presence in the region. Kraken already sees up to $2 billion in daily trading volume on its derivatives products, providing high liquidity and cost-effective execution for traders.
Kraken’s growing suite of offerings and its deep liquidity pool make it a highly competitive option for European investors seeking advanced trading tools.
Empowering Fintechs With Kraken Embed
Another key part of Kraken’s European strategy is its Embed product, which allows fintech platforms and neobanks to integrate both spot and derivatives trading into their apps. This offering enables more seamless access to crypto trading for end-users, helping smaller financial firms compete with larger players.
Cyprus continues to attract crypto companies due to its flexible regulatory environment, experienced financial professionals, and well-developed infrastructure. Kraken’s decision to build its European operations out of Cyprus reflects a broader trend among crypto firms looking for compliant and business-friendly jurisdictions.
As Kraken continues to grow, with acquisitions like Crypto Facilities in the UK and NinjaTrader in the U.S., its European expansion signals a firm commitment to regulated growth and long-term innovation in the global crypto economy.
