16.10.2025 11:54

In a strategic maneuver to broaden its footprint in the United States, prominent cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has successfully acquired the Small Exchange from IG Group. The acquisition, valued at $100 million according to online sources, is a foundational step in Kraken's ambitious plan to introduce a comprehensive derivatives trading platform specifically for its U.S. clientele.

Central to the value of this transaction is the Small Exchange's coveted Designated Contract Market (DCM) license, a credential granted and overseen by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Possession of this critical regulatory approval empowers Kraken to legally introduce and operate a full suite of regulated derivative products, such as futures and options, for its American customers.

Beyond market expansion, the acquisition facilitates a significant operational enhancement for Kraken by enabling the consolidation of core financial functions. The exchange will now be capable of integrating its trading, clearing, and risk management operations into a single, seamless, and compliant ecosystem, all functioning within a regulated U.S. environment.

This latest development is part of a broader pattern of aggressive expansion for the company. Internet sources indicate that this move follows a previous major financial initiative involving $1.5 billion, underscoring Kraken's clear intention to solidify its market leadership through strategic growth and regulatory alignment.