Kraken Forays into Stock and ETF Trading
US cryptocurrency exchange eyes global expansion as trading boundaries blur
Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken on Monday launched commission-free trading for more than 11,000 US-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), signalling a bold push beyond digital assets as the lines between traditional and crypto finance continue to blur.
The move puts Kraken in direct competition with platforms like Robinhood whilst positioning the company for an anticipated public offering in early 2026.
Initially, US-based users in ten states, including New Jersey, Connecticut, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia, can trade equities alongside cryptocurrencies through a single Kraken account.
The exchange plans a phased national expansion across the United States before targeting international markets including the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia.
"Crypto isn't just evolving, it's becoming the backbone for trading across asset classes, such as equities, commodities and currencies. As demand for 24/7 global access grows, clients want a seamless, all-in-one trading experience,” said Arjun Sethi, Kraken's co-CEO.
Strategic Expansion 📈
The equities launch comes just weeks after Kraken's landmark 1.5 billion dollar acquisition of CFTC-regulated NinjaTrader, the largest-ever deal bridging cryptocurrency and traditional finance.
Read: The TradFi Shopping
Kraken's new offering includes fractional trading capabilities for more than half of its stock listings, allowing users to purchase partial shares. The service is powered by Kraken Securities, the company's FINRA-regulated division, ensuring regulatory compliance.
This expansion represents a natural progression for the world's 13th largest centralised cryptocurrency exchange by volume, which has systematically built its regulatory credentials despite recent turbulence in the crypto sector.
Road to IPO 🏦
Analysts view this expansion as strategically aligned with Kraken's reported IPO ambitions for early 2026.
"Another step taken by Kraken to become a full-service app offering both traditional finance (TradFi) and crypto services," Oppenheimer analyst Owen Lau told *Reuters.*
The company's broader strategy includes developing its own blockchain, "Ink," due later this year, as per a Watcher.guru report. Kraken is also exploring payment offerings, suggesting a comprehensive vision for financial services built on cryptocurrency infrastructure.
Competitive Landscape ⚔️
Kraken now enters an increasingly competitive field where trading platforms are racing to offer comprehensive financial services.
While Robinhood pioneered the integration of stocks and crypto for retail investors, Kraken's crypto-native approach and international ambitions could differentiate its offering.
For users, the primary benefit is simplified portfolio management: the ability to trade Bitcoin alongside blue-chip stocks through a single interface without switching platforms.
As traditional and crypto markets become increasingly interconnected, Kraken's bold expansion may represent the future of finance: borderless, always accessible, and built on digital asset rails.