Kraken Shakes Up US Crypto Derivatives Market with NinjaTrader-Powered Platform Launch

Kraken just fired the opening shot in the US derivatives arms race—and they’re packing NinjaTrader’s tech.

The exchange’s new stateside platform rolls out with futures and CFDs, putting direct pressure on Coinbase and Binance’s struggling US operations. Because nothing says 'regulatory compliance' like launching complex derivatives in America’s legal minefield.

Traders get lower fees, tighter spreads, and the usual Kraken security chops. Institutional players? They’re eyeing the API specs like kids at a candy store—assuming the SEC doesn’t padlock the place first.

One question lingers: Is this a strategic masterstroke or just another crypto firm chasing revenue streams before the regulators catch up? Place your bets.

Key Takeaways

• Kraken launches a US-regulated derivatives platform after acquiring NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion.
• The platform offers CME-listed bitcoin and cryptocurrency futures, initially in five US jurisdictions.
• Crypto derivatives volumes, especially for bitcoin, are experiencing rapid growth and are forecast to exceed $23 trillion by 2025.

Kraken has unveiled its new US-regulated derivatives trading platform, marking a significant expansion for the exchange in the American market.

The launch follows Kraken’s $1.5 billion acquisition of NinjaTrader, a major retail futures brokerage specializing in equity and commodity derivatives.

Kraken expands US offerings

The new service, dubbed Kraken Derivatives US, is initially available in Vermont, West Virginia, North Dakota, Mississippi, and Washington, D.C.

This move integrates CME-listed bitcoin and other cryptocurrency futures into the Kraken Pro platform, offering institutional-grade trading options alongside the exchange’s established spot market.

Kraken Derivatives US is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

At the close of the NinjaTrader acquisition in May, Kraken stated its intention to broaden its product range, including stocks, options, and prediction markets.

Market position

Kraken remains a leading spot Bitcoin exchange, with daily volumes surpassing $1.7 billion, according to CoinMarketCap.

The company aims to leverage this strong position by providing advanced trading tools to US-based customers seeking futures exposure.

Crypto derivatives market growth

The broader bitcoin derivatives market has expanded rapidly since the introduction of CME Group’s Bitcoin futures in 2017.

By 2025, total crypto derivatives volume is projected to exceed $23 trillion, with bitcoin derivatives leading this surge. According to OKX, open interest in bitcoin derivatives topped $70 billion in the first half of the year.

Perpetual contracts, which have no expiration date, have grown even faster than traditional futures, with volumes increasing by 150% over the past year.

Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are also gaining ground, as DEX derivatives volumes are forecast to more than double to $3.5 trillion in 2025.

Kraken’s expansion comes as institutional and retail demand for regulated bitcoin derivatives continues to rise in the US and globally.