Kraken, a cryptocurrency platform serving more than 15 million clients, has agreed to acquire NinjaTrader, a U.S.-based retail futures trading platform, for $1.5 billion. This acquisition strengthens Kraken’s position in the futures market, allowing it to expand its offerings across multiple asset classes, including equities and payments. NinjaTrader, founded in 2003, provides advanced futures trading tools to nearly two million traders and operates as a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant. The transaction represents a significant step in merging cryptocurrency with traditional finance, enabling more efficient and real-time trading infrastructure.
The acquisition allows Kraken to enter the U.S. futures market while supporting NinjaTrader’s global expansion through Kraken’s regulatory licenses in the UK, Europe, and Australia. Clients will gain access to a broader range of trading tools, increased market liquidity, and seamless multi-asset trading. NinjaTrader will continue operating as an independent platform under Kraken’s umbrella, ensuring a smooth transition for its users. Marty Franchi, CEO of NinjaTrader, expressed confidence, stating, “Together, Kraken and NinjaTrader will power the integration of traditional markets with crypto by offering cutting-edge tools and the ability to rapidly move across asset classes that the most sophisticated traders demand.”
