Kraken Launches Regulated Crypto Perpetual Futures Trading in the US

Key Facts

In a move reflecting the accelerating pace of regulation in the digital derivatives market, Kraken has launched cryptocurrency perpetual futures trading for its US customers via the Kraken Pro platform. This expansion follows the platform's completion of its acquisition of Bitnomial in May, a firm fully licensed as an exchange and clearinghouse by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). According to reports, this step aims to bridge the gap in regulated products available to both institutional and retail traders within the US market.

This move places Kraken in direct competition with major exchanges like Coinbase, which previously secured similar approvals to offer crypto derivatives in the US. Per market data, derivatives trading volume represents a significant portion of total crypto activity, with global perpetual futures volumes hitting record levels in Q1 2026. The Bitnomial license is viewed as a critical asset that grants Kraken a competitive edge in a US regulatory environment characterized by stringency toward unlicensed platforms.

Looking ahead, traders are closely monitoring the impact of this launch on market liquidity, especially amid key economic data such as the US CPI, which stood at 4.2% YoY as of June 10, 2026. Markets are also awaiting speeches from central bank officials, including an upcoming speech by Lagarde, to gauge risk appetite for digital assets. The performance of Kraken Pro in attracting perpetual trading volumes will be a key indicator of the success of the exchange's regulated expansion strategy.