Kraken, a top global cryptocurrency exchange, has taken a major step forward in its global strategy by expanding its derivatives trading services into the European Union. This move comes after the acquisition of a Cypriot Investment Firm, granting Kraken a license under MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive).
This license, approved by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), allows Kraken to offer regulated crypto derivatives across the EU.
Strategic Acquisition: Unlocking the European Market
To gain access to the European Economic Area (EEA), Kraken acquired the Cypriot firm “Greenfield Capital Partners.” This acquisition provides Kraken with authorization to operate as a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF).
The license enables Kraken to serve both retail and institutional clients in all 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
Launching Regulated Crypto Derivatives
With its new status, Kraken will offer regulated crypto derivatives such as:
- Perpetual Futures Contracts
- Fixed Maturity Futures Contracts
These instruments will comply with EU regulations, providing greater transparency, legal assurance, and investor protection.
This marks a major shift in how European investors can engage with crypto derivatives in a secure and regulated environment.
Kraken’s Global Expansion Strategy
This is not Kraken’s first step toward regulated crypto services. In 2019, the exchange acquired Crypto Facilities, a UK-based, FCA-regulated crypto derivatives platform.
With the new Cypriot license, Kraken continues building its global presence by targeting regulated markets.
Kraken now holds key regulatory approvals in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and the EU—making it one of the most compliant global exchanges.
Rising Demand for Crypto Derivatives
The expansion comes amid growing demand for crypto derivatives, which now account for over 70% of global crypto trading volumes.
Kraken’s move positions it to capitalize on this trend by offering EU investors access to cutting-edge, regulated crypto trading tools.
This helps the platform compete with other global players like Binance, Bybit, and OKX—especially in regions that demand stronger oversight.
Conclusion
Kraken’s acquisition of a Cypriot license is a game-changer for crypto derivatives trading in Europe.
It enables the exchange to offer fully regulated, EU-compliant products to a broader investor base.
As regulatory clarity becomes crucial for crypto adoption, Kraken is leading the way in building a compliant, global crypto ecosystem.