Kraken Parent Payward Completes Bitnomial Acquisition for US Crypto Derivatives Expansion

US Crypto Derivatives Market Expansion After Bitnomial Deal

Payward, the parent company of Kraken, has completed its acquisition of Bitnomial, marking a major step toward expanding regulated crypto derivatives in the United States. With the deal finalized, Payward now controls a full set of Commodity Futures Trading Commission licenses, including a Futures Commission Merchant, Designated Contract Market, and Derivatives Clearing Organization. These approvals allow the firm to build a regulated derivatives stack for U.S. clients.

CFTC Regulated Crypto Trading Products on Kraken Platform

The company plans to introduce CFTC-compliant spot margin trading on Kraken first, followed by perpetual contracts and options. Leadership stated that the infrastructure created through Bitnomial provides the foundation for broader product expansion, including services for banks, brokers, and payment providers seeking regulated exposure.

Bitnomial, based in Chicago, already operated as a crypto-native exchange and was among the early venues listing new derivatives products. The acquisition was previously valued at up to $550 million.

US Crypto Derivatives Growth and Institutional Strategy

Payward’s move follows broader industry growth in regulated derivatives markets and its push toward institutional-grade trading infrastructure, supported by recent investments and preparations for potential public listing activities.