Kraken Expands Beyond Crypto: Now Offers Stocks and ETFs in Bid to Dominate Multi-Asset Trading
San Francisco-based crypto exchange Kraken has taken a major leap into traditional finance, launching commission-free trading for over 11,000 U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs. The move, which began rolling out on April 14, 2025, allows users in 10 states—including New Jersey, Connecticut, and Alabama—to trade equities alongside cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum within a single account.
Phased Rollout Targets Mainstream Adoption
Kraken’s stock trading service debuts in partnership with Alpaca, a licensed broker-dealer, and includes fractional share options for over half of its offerings. This lets users invest in high-priced stocks like Amazon or Tesla with as little as $1. The exchange plans to expand access nationwide and into international markets like the U.K., Europe, and Australia later this year.
Why It Matters for Crypto
By merging crypto and traditional markets, Kraken aims to position itself as a one-stop platform for modern investors. “Crypto is evolving into the backbone of global trading,” said Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi. “Clients want seamless access to stocks, ETFs, and digital assets—all in one place.” The move also advances Kraken’s long-term vision of asset tokenization, where real-world investments like real estate or art could be traded on blockchain networks.
Behind the Scenes: The $1.5B NinjaTrader Deal
The stock trading launch follows Kraken’s March acquisition of futures platform NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion, the largest-ever merger of traditional finance and crypto firms. NinjaTrader’s regulatory licenses will enable Kraken to offer crypto derivatives in the U.S., while Kraken’s global permits accelerate NinjaTrader’s expansion abroad.
What’s Next?
Kraken’s stock trading push aligns with its rumored plans for a 2026 IPO, positioning it to compete with brokerages like Robinhood. As regulatory clarity grows, the exchange is betting that blending crypto agility with traditional market access will attract both retail and institutional traders.
