In a bold move that signifies a significant shift in the investment landscape, Kraken is expanding its offerings beyond the realm of cryptocurrencies. With the launch of commission-free trading for over 11,000 US-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the company is positioning itself to attract traditional investors seeking more diversified portfolio options.
Kraken Steps Into Equities Market
This new service, set to roll out on April 14th, is focused on providing US-based clients—initially in select states like New Jersey, Connecticut, and Alabama—the ability to trade both traditional assets and digital currencies within a single, integrated platform. The phased rollout reflects Kraken’s strategic approach to entering the equities market.
The integration of stocks and ETFs into Kraken’s existing framework allows users to manage a diversified portfolio that encompasses digital assets, stablecoins, and now traditional equities. Among the key features of this service is fractional trading, which enables users to purchase portions of high-priced stocks and reinvest proceeds into other stocks or cryptocurrencies instantaneously.
Powered by Kraken Securities, the company’s FINRA-regulated division dedicated to equities trading, this new offering signals Kraken’s commitment to adapting to the evolving demands of its clientele.
Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of Kraken, shared insights regarding this development, highlighting the transformative role of crypto in the trading ecosystem across diverse asset classes including equities, commodities, and currencies. He remarked,
“Expanding into equities is a natural step for us, and paves the way for the tokenization of assets. The future of trading is borderless, always on, and built on crypto rails – and Kraken will continue to lead this shift.”
Looking ahead, Kraken has ambitions to extend stock trading to more US states shortly, with international expansions planned for key markets including the UK, Europe, and Australia.
IPO and Acquisition Insights
In addition to its foray into equities, Kraken is making headlines with plans for an initial public offering (IPO) targeted for early 2026, as reported earlier. The exchange is also engaged in negotiations for a $1 billion corporate debt deal with esteemed investment banks such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.
Moreover, the company has successfully completed a $1.5 billion acquisition of NinjaTrader, a respected retail futures trading platform, further solidifying its position in the trading ecosystem.
This latest development, which marks a significant leap for Kraken into the equities trading sector, illustrates the company’s commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the financial markets.
