Kraken Unveils Exclusive VIP Program for Wealthy Crypto Investors
Kraken just rolled out the red carpet for the crypto elite—and it's not for the faint of wallet.
Forget basic trading platforms. This is a velvet-rope experience designed for investors who measure their portfolios in commas, not decimals.
What's Behind the VIP Push?
Exchanges are in an arms race for high-net-worth capital. Kraken's new tiered program isn't just about lower fees—it's about access. Think dedicated account managers, advanced trading tools, and a direct line to liquidity that retail traders can only dream of.
It’s a classic play: cater to the whales, and the ecosystem follows. More institutional money means deeper order books and, theoretically, a more mature market. Of course, it also means the gap between the crypto haves and have-nots just got a lot wider—some things never change, even in decentralized finance.
The Fine Print for the Financially Flush
Details are predictably scarce, reserved for those who meet the undisclosed—but undoubtedly steep—entry requirements. Expect minimum balance thresholds, volume commitments, and a suite of white-glove services that make traditional private banking look sluggish.
This move signals a clear pivot. Kraken isn't just fighting for retail sign-ups anymore; it's battling for the kind of capital that moves markets. In a sector obsessed with democratization, it’s a stark reminder that old-money hierarchies have a funny way of replicating themselves, even on the blockchain.
So, is this the future of crypto? For the average investor, maybe not. But for the firms and individuals writing the biggest checks, Kraken just made a very compelling argument to park their digital assets right here. After all, in finance, exclusivity has always been the ultimate luxury good.
Eligibility and access requirements
Membership is based on qualification, typically requiring a $10 million average balance on the platform or $80 million in annual trading volume. Prospective members may also be accepted through application review and referrals.
The service portfolio has a combination of bespoke support and exclusive access. A central feature is Dedicated Relationship Management, where each member is assigned a specialist VIP Relationship Manager supported by 24/7 assistance and direct, multichannel communication.
This also includes access to specialized Kraken personnel across product, engineering, liquidity, custody, and infrastructure teams.
Similar programs in the crypto space
Kraken is not the first firm to cater to VIP users; before it came Binance, which introduced a VIP Volume Contribution Program in October 2023. The program lets users achieve higher VIP levels (VIP 4-9) during the program period if they meet specific trading volume targets over 30 days, along with maintaining a daily average holding of Binance Coin (BNB).
Similarly, ByBit launched a program in April this year where it partnered with SosoValue to provide an exclusive daily industry to help traders navigate the volatility of the crypto market.
Exclusive global events
The program also focuses heavily on networking and experiences. As part of its partnerships, Kraken offers VIP members access to global experiences, including events like Formula 1 races, football matches, private cultural gatherings, and regional meet-ups.
The program enables entry into a private network of leaders, where family offices, founders, allocators, and longtime crypto natives collaborate and share insights. Members are also given a direct line to influence the platform’s future through Early Product Access & Influence. This includes invitations to private beta tests, early access to new features, and structured feedback sessions intended to allow VIPs to shape the products driving Kraken’s ecosystem.
Idea behind the program
Kraken Co-CEO Arjun Sethi explained the idea behind the program, stating, “Ultra high-net-worth clients don’t come to us for speed alone – they come to us because they expect a partner who matches their ambition and understands what true scale looks like. Kraken VIP was built for them. It offers an unprecedented level of access, influence, and experience that does not exist anywhere else in the digital asset ecosystem.”
The public unveiling of Kraken VIP follows an intense development and testing period. Conception and building first began in 2018. Since its initial development, the program moved into a private pilot phase to enable Kraken to iron out the structure and service model in a real-world, client-interaction environment.
According to the platform, the pilot produced strong results in client engagement and retention, showcasing long-term client value. This period of private testing provided the necessary data and confidence for Kraken to transition the VIP service into a broader market offering.
By offering a comprehensive suite of benefits, Kraken is working to transform its relationship with its largest clients from a transactional one to a true long-term partnership.
Also Read: Kraken Partners With Deutsche Börse on Digital Assets
