
Kraken Set to Acquire NinjaTrader in $1.5 Billion Deal to Expand Crypto Futures Trading
Crypto exchange Kraken is reportedly finalizing a significant acquisition, eyeing a $1.5 billion takeover of trading platform NinjaTrader. This strategic move aims to broaden Kraken’s customer base and enhance its offerings by integrating crypto futures and derivatives trading in the U.S. market. Reports suggest that an official announcement regarding the acquisition could be made as early as March 20.
The potential acquisition would leverage NinjaTrader’s status as a registered Futures Commission Merchant, which would enable Kraken to expand its financial services beyond cryptocurrencies. This aligns with Kraken’s broader strategy to diversify its operations across multiple asset classes, with plans for equity trading and payment solutions. In addition, NinjaTrader could utilize this collaboration to extend its reach into international markets, including the UK, Europe, and Australia, while operating as a separate entity within the Kraken umbrella.
In terms of financial performance, Kraken has reported impressive figures, with $1.5 billion in revenue and $665 billion in trading volume in 2024, supported by 2.5 million active customer accounts. At the same time, NinjaTrader claims to serve over 1.8 million users who utilize its comprehensive futures trading tools. The acquisition underscores Kraken’s commitment to expanding its service offerings, particularly following its decision to discontinue its non-fungible token marketplace last November.
The news comes on the heels of a favorable legal development for Kraken, as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recently dismissed its lawsuit against the platform, which had claimed it operated as an unregistered broker. The dismissal was granted without penalties or any admission of misconduct. This scenario places Kraken in a favorable position amid a shifting regulatory landscape in the U.S., particularly under recent leadership promises to bolster the country’s standing as a global leader in the cryptocurrency sector.