TL;DR:
- Kraken introduces the first regulated perpetual futures on tokenized shares of Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla.
- These new instruments offer up to 20x leverage and operate without interruptions 365 days a year.
- The service is available to eligible investors in over 110 countries, excluding users in the United States.
The Kraken exchange has enabled Kraken perpetuals on U.S. stocks, integrating the crypto derivatives model into traditional equity markets. This initial offering includes tech giants such as Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia, as well as major indices like the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100.
Following the acquisition of the firm xStocks in December, the exchange uses tokenized assets with 1:1 backing to serve as the underlying for these contracts. Users can now hedge positions or speculate on Wall Street prices even when traditional stock exchanges are closed.
Unlike conventional futures, perpetual contracts have no expiration date and settle continuously via funding payments. In this way, the platform ensures superior capital efficiency and total flexibility for traders seeking global exposure.
High-Frequency Trading and Expansion of the Tokenized Market
The new product allows for leverage of up to 20x, a figure significantly higher than what is typically available in spot markets. However, Kraken executives emphasize that these products are designed for experienced traders due to the inherent risk associated with margin trading.
In addition to individual stocks, the platform has included the SPDR Gold ETF (GLD), expanding diversification options for its user base. Furthermore, the company plans to add new names and exchange-traded funds in the coming months as market demand evolves.
In summary, this move represents an advanced phase in the convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology. By tokenizing Real-World Assets (RWA) and offering them under a futures structure, Kraken is redefining the accessibility and speed of global capital markets.
