TL;DR
- Kraken launches regulated crypto futures trading in Europe under the MiFID II directive after acquiring a licensed investment firm in Cyprus.
- Perpetual and fixed maturity contracts will be available to both retail and institutional users across the European Economic Area.
- The move strengthens Kraken’s strategy to operate in regulated environments amid growing interest in crypto derivatives from professional investors.
Kraken, one of the world’s most recognized cryptocurrency exchanges, has taken a strategic leap forward by launching regulated crypto derivatives trading in Europe. This move was made possible through the acquisition of a Cyprus-based investment firm licensed under MiFID II, allowing Kraken to offer both perpetual and fixed maturity futures contracts within a legally recognized framework throughout the European Union. The new offerings are now available to both retail and institutional clients across the European Economic Area (EEA), further cementing Kraken’s position as a key player in the regulated crypto-financial ecosystem.
Kraken Bets on the Professionalization of the Crypto Market
This launch is not merely an expansion of territory but a clear evolution in the quality of financial crypto services. Derivatives offer better risk management, more sophisticated trading strategies, and enhanced access to liquidity. According to Shannon Kurtas, Kraken’s Head of Exchange, Europe is one of the fastest-growing markets for digital assets, highlighting the need for regulated solutions that provide both security and operational efficiency. The new products are being offered through “Payward Europe Digital Solutions”, a Cyprus-based entity authorized to operate under the MiFID II regulatory framework.
The announcement comes shortly after Kraken completed its acquisition of the futures trading platform NinjaTrader. Furthermore, in the first quarter of 2025, the company reported revenues of $471.7 million, reflecting a 19% year-over-year growth, clear evidence of strong global demand for regulated crypto services.
Is Europe Becoming the New Global Hub for Crypto Derivatives?
Kraken’s expansion is part of a broader trend: several major players in the industry, such as Coinbase and Gemini, are also strengthening their presence in Europe’s crypto derivatives market. Competition to capture this fast-growing segment is becoming increasingly fierce. Even DeFi platforms like Synthetix are exploring strategic mergers to enter this space, with plans to re-acquire platforms such as Derive.
Kraken’s move is anything but improvised. Since 2019, the company has been building infrastructure for derivatives trading, and this European launch represents the culmination of a long-term vision: to democratize access to advanced financial tools within solid regulatory frameworks. In a context where many governments are still debating how to regulate cryptocurrencies, Europe is trying to be an example of clarity and progress.
