Kraken Smashes EU Crypto Derivatives Barrier with Cyprus Regulatory Nod
Kraken just flipped the switch on regulated crypto derivatives for the EU—thanks to a slick Cyprus deal. Finally, traders get leverage without the regulatory side-eye.
Who needs unlicensed offshore gambling when you can lose money with government approval? The exchange’s new EU foothold lets it bypass the usual regulatory limbo—while traditional finance still struggles to spell ’blockchain.’
One small step for compliance, one giant leap for crypto’s institutional credibility. Now watch as Wall Street scrambles to catch up.

Derivatives have become a cornerstone of Kraken’s global business, making up about 50% of the exchange’s total volume. Globally, such products account for up to 75% of crypto trading activity, according to Kraken’s head of derivatives, Alexia Theodorou.
Kraken’s expansion comes as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its global footprint in highly regulated jurisdictions, leveraging licenses to serve sophisticated investors in compliance with local laws.