Kraken Acquires NinjaTrader for $1.5 Billion, Eyes US Futures Market Entry

Kraken, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, announced this week its acquisition of NinjaTrader, a retail futures trading platform, for $1.5 billion. This acquisition marks Kraken's entry into the US futures and derivatives market, expanding its offerings into traditional finance. NinjaTrader, backed by Long Ridge Equity Partners, is a registered Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) with the CFTC, enabling legal futures trading in the US. The deal, expected to close in the first half of 2025, will allow Kraken to expand into equities trading and payment solutions. Kraken plans to leverage its licenses in the UK, Europe, and Australia to expand NinjaTrader's reach. NinjaTrader will operate as a standalone business. This move occurs amid a shifting regulatory landscape in the US, potentially favoring crypto firms. Kraken is preparing for a public offering as early as Q1 next year. Currently, Bitcoin (BTC) trades at $83,780, reflecting a 13% monthly loss.