In a landmark move bridging traditional finance and cryptocurrency, Kraken has announced the acquisition of NinjaTrader, a leading futures trading platform, for $1.5 billion. This deal represents the largest crossover to date between traditional finance and the crypto industry, highlighting the growing synergy between the two sectors.
Bridging Traditional and Crypto Markets
Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi celebrated the acquisition, calling it a pivotal step towards creating an all-encompassing financial ecosystem.
“We’re not just a crypto exchange. By bringing NinjaTrader into the Kraken fold, we’re bridging traditional and crypto markets and expanding access to pro-grade trading tools,” Sethi shared on social media platform X.
The deal positions both companies to benefit from an expanded regulatory framework. NinjaTrader’s Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) license will enable Kraken to offer crypto futures and derivatives in the U.S., while Kraken’s licenses in the U.K., E.U., and Australia will fuel NinjaTrader’s growth globally.
Expanding Access to Trading Opportunities
Post-acquisition, NinjaTrader will remain a stand-alone platform. Its customers will gain access to a broader range of trading opportunities, including crypto, futures, and traditional financial products.
“NinjaTrader’s mission has always been to make retail futures trading more accessible and cost-effective. Partnering with Kraken allows us to scale this vision globally,” said NinjaTrader CEO Marty Franchi.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of Q2 2025, marking a significant milestone for both firms.
Clearing Regulatory Hurdles
This acquisition comes shortly after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dropped its case against Kraken. The lawsuit, filed in November 2023, accused Kraken of allegedly commingling funds and operating unregistered entities. The case’s resolution paves the way for Kraken to pursue innovation under a stable regulatory framework.
The SEC has recently backed down from other high-profile cases, including those involving Robinhood, Coinbase, and Ripple, signalling a shift in its stance on crypto regulation.
A Pro-Crypto Shift in U.S. Policy
The deal also underscores the evolving political landscape for crypto in the U.S. Kraken co-CEO Sethi credited President Donald Trump for reshaping the narrative around blockchain technology.
“Trump was the first pro-crypto U.S. president, transforming the debate into a shared national interest,” Sethi wrote on X.
Trump has actively embraced the crypto industry in recent years, headlining major events, launching his own crypto project, and supporting blockchain innovation through executive orders. His latest move, establishing a strategic crypto reserve, reflects his vision to position the U.S. as the “Crypto Capital of the World.”
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