Kraken Launches US Stock and ETF Trading in Phased Rollout, Eyes UK and EU Expansion

Kraken, one of the longest-standing digital asset exchanges in the crypto space, has officially launched its equities trading feature — marking a major leap beyond cryptocurrencies into traditional finance. The move, which allows users to trade U.S. stocks and ETFs directly from the Kraken platform, is part of a broader push to blend traditional and digital finance under one roof.

Initially available in the United States through a phased rollout, Kraken’s equities trading functionality is powered by a brokerage integration with Alpaca Securities, a FINRA-registered broker-dealer and member of SIPC. The offering enables users to buy and sell equities alongside digital assets within the Kraken app — a convenience that mirrors recent moves by other fintech players to create unified investing experiences.

The launch is a key milestone in Kraken’s expansion roadmap and underscores its ambitions to evolve into a full-service financial platform. Users can now access a curated list of U.S.-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), offering exposure to companies and sectors that many in the crypto community already follow closely, such as tech, clean energy, and finance.

The move was first teased in March when Kraken revealed plans to acquire CFTC-regulated trading platform NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion. At the time, the exchange hinted at its broader ambitions to blend derivatives, equities, and digital assets in a single, accessible interface.

In a statement accompanying the launch, Kraken said it intends to expand its equities trading service to the UK and European markets in the near future, pending regulatory approvals. The company has been actively engaging with local regulators to ensure compliance as it prepares for a global rollout.

“We believe in a future where investing is borderless and accessible,” a Kraken spokesperson said. “Bringing stocks and ETFs to Kraken is just the beginning. We’re building a platform that empowers users to manage all of their assets — crypto and traditional — in one place.”

The equities feature is being introduced to a limited number of U.S. users first, with a full rollout expected in the coming weeks. Kraken has not yet disclosed which specific stocks or ETFs will be available at launch but has indicated that more will be added as the platform scales.

This expansion comes amid a growing trend of crypto-native companies entering traditional financial markets. Platforms like Robinhood and eToro have already blurred the lines between stocks and crypto, and Kraken’s move signals a similar convergence — albeit with the deep liquidity and infrastructure of a long-established crypto exchange.

With this move, Kraken not only strengthens its position in the U.S. market but also lays the groundwork for broader global adoption of its hybrid financial model. As regulatory clarity improves across the Atlantic, Kraken’s playbook for Europe and the UK could unlock a new wave of growth — both for itself and for the wider crypto industry.