Under Biden’s leadership many big institutions that struggled with SEC’s regulations are now spreading their wings in a clear sky! With the new SEC chair in place and Trump supporting the industry, things are getting better and better for crypto —dropped cases, friendly rules in making and what not!
According to the Wall Street Journal, Kraken, a top crypto exchange is close to finalizing a $1.5 billion acquisition of NinjaTrader, a U.S.-based futures trading platform. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the deal could be announced as early as Thursday. If completed, this move will allow Kraken to expand into the futures and derivatives market in the U.S. while helping NinjaTrader grow internationally. The deal is expected to be announced soon, potentially reshaping the trading industry by merging crypto and traditional futures trading.
What This Means for Kraken?
Kraken, founded in 2011, is already a key player in the crypto market, offering trading for assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. With this acquisition, Kraken will gain access to NinjaTrader’s 1.9 million active users, boosting its position in the futures market. More importantly, NinjaTrader is a registered Futures Commission Merchant, which means Kraken can now legally offer crypto futures and derivatives in the U.S. This will be a major step in Kraken’s broader strategy of expanding beyond crypto trading into other asset classes, such as equities and payments.
How NinjaTrader Benefits?
NinjaTrader, founded in 2003, provides futures trading tools to over 1.8 million customers. Under Kraken, it will gain access to more resources and a wider global market. Kraken reportedly plans to support NinjaTrader’s expansion into the U.K., Europe, and Australia, helping it reach new traders and increase its market influence. While NinjaTrader will become part of Kraken’s trading ecosystem, it is expected to continue operating as a separate platform.
A Regulatory Shift Fuels Kraken’s Expansion
This acquisition comes at a time when the regulatory environment for crypto is shifting. Under President Trump, the industry expects lighter regulations, and Kraken recently saw the SEC drop a lawsuit against it. The deal with NinjaTrader could mark one of the biggest acquisitions in the crypto space, showing that major players are looking to expand beyond just digital assets.
Kraken’s growth has been impressive, with its revenue doubling to $1.5 billion in 2024 and adjusted earnings reaching $380 million. If this deal goes through, it will further establish Kraken as a leading force in both the crypto and futures trading markets, making trading more connected and accessible for investors worldwide.
