TL;DR
- Kraken has officially acquired Breakout, a proprietary trading firm that provides capital to skilled traders based on performance evaluations.
- The deal gives experienced traders access to as much as $200,000 in capital while allowing them to retain up to 90% of profits.
- This move strengthens Kraken’s professional trading services, aligning with its recent acquisitions that target advanced infrastructure for institutional and retail power users.
Kraken has reinforced its position as one of the most pro-innovation exchanges by finalizing the acquisition of Breakout, a Tampa-based proprietary trading startup. The deal introduces a performance-first model where traders can access up to $200,000 in capital once they pass specific risk and strategy evaluations. Unlike traditional funding paths that favor personal wealth, this approach rewards proven skills, reflecting a merit-based philosophy for advancing digital finance.
Breakout, launched in 2023, quickly became recognized for enabling traders to demonstrate discipline and consistent execution before being granted access to funded accounts. With this system now integrated into Kraken’s global infrastructure, the exchange is opening the door to a new generation of capital-backed crypto professionals.
Expansion Of Institutional-Level Trading Options
The acquisition fits neatly into Kraken’s broader plan to elevate its advanced trading ecosystem. Earlier this year, the exchange acquired NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion, a move that brought futures and sophisticated software into its portfolio. By layering in Breakout’s evaluation-driven model, Kraken now offers a path that blends retail accessibility with institutional-level funding.
Traders who qualify under Breakout’s system can hold multiple accounts up to a $200,000 limit and keep up to 90% of profits. Over 50 cryptocurrency pairs are supported, including contracts with up to 5x leverage on Bitcoin and Ethereum. The process is designed to reward traders who demonstrate consistency, with strict drawdown parameters ensuring sustainable risk management.
Competitive Edge In The Pro Trading Arena
Kraken’s move highlights a broader evolution within the crypto trading industry. As traditional finance players like Citadel Securities and Jump Trading continue to dominate proprietary strategies, exchanges are working to create spaces where individual traders can compete with professional standards. By offering capital to proven performers, Kraken positions itself as a hub where talent can be scaled globally without the barriers of personal wealth.
Breakout’s co-founder Alex Miningham emphasized that the combination of Kraken’s infrastructure and Breakout’s evaluation-first approach will allow traders to grow within a secure and transparent environment. For Kraken, the acquisition is more than a product expansion, it represents a decisive step in empowering traders to compete on equal footing with institutional desks.
