Kraken Expands Beyond Crypto With Stock & ETF Trading
Crypto exchange Kraken took a bold step out of the cryptocurrency space with the launch of commission-free stock and ETF trading. The move makes Kraken a serious competitor to sites like Robinhood, bringing traditional and crypto assets into one platform.
Phased roll-out will begin initially with qualified users in six U.S. states—New Jersey, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Idaho, Connecticut—and the District of Columbia. Kraken aims to increase the reach in the U.S. before expanding in the UK, Europe, and Australia.
Availability of Over 11,000 Stocks and ETFs
With its new addition, Kraken users now have access to trade more than 11,000 NYSE- and NASDAQ-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds on U.S. major exchanges. This is in line with the overall strategy of the company to diversify its financial service offerings and meet growing demand for multi-asset trading platforms.
Unified, 24/7 Trading Experience
“Crypto isn’t just evolving, it’s becoming the backbone for trading across asset classes,” said Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi. He emphasized Kraken’s commitment to a seamless, round-the-clock experience, allowing users to trade stocks, ETFs, and crypto from a single account.
Kraken’s entry into traditional finance mirrors the strategy of leading fintech apps but leverages its crypto-native infrastructure to offer an “always-on” experience.
Powered by FINRA-Regulated Kraken Securities
The new service is provided through Kraken Securities, a FINRA-regulated subsidiary, to facilitate compliance as Kraken grows its business. Users will have the ability to trade in U.S. dollars, with the potential to add additional fiat currencies in the future.
Strategic Growth and IPO Plans
Since its founding in 2011, Kraken has supported over 300 cryptocurrencies and major fiat currencies. Its latest acquisitions, including the $1.5 billion purchase of NinjaTrader, mark a broader expansion into legacy markets.
The firm is reportedly raising $1 billion in debt financing, a move that will likely coincide with its upcoming initial public offering (IPO), which underscores its ambition to be a global financial powerhouse—not just crypto.
