In 2011, we set out on a quest with a simple yet ambitious mission: to accelerate the adoption of cryptocurrency so that you and the rest of the world can achieve financial freedom and inclusion.
It was the dawn of a commitment to safety, innovation and transparency.
Today, we are one of the largest, most trusted and secure cryptocurrency platforms, a vibrant community of over 13 million customers worldwide who navigate the crypto ecosystem through our intuitive mobile apps (Kraken, Kraken Pro and Kraken Wallet) and cutting-edge desktop trading user interface.
Despite the seismic volatility of the industry, our North Star has remained constant: safety first. It is this focus that has allowed us to not only weather the storms of past crypto winters, but harness their energy, leaning into bear markets in our relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction.
2011: A new industry gives birth to our origin story
Bitcoin industry veteran Jesse Powell spent two weeks in Tokyo trying to recover funds after the Mt. Gox hack. Realizing that the lack of controls and security standards had led to its demise, Jesse co-founded Kraken, seeking to create the first truly secure and professional cryptocurrency exchange.
On July 28, 2011, Kraken was born. The price of Bitcoin was $13.94 that day, and it then dropped 70% by the end of the year, when Bitcoin closed at $4.25. Today, you would have gained over 1,600,000% if you had simply held your portfolio since that date.
2014: Introduction of margin and advanced order types to expand our clients’ cryptocurrency trading arsenal
With the introduction of margin trading and advanced order types, Kraken has expanded the toolbox available to our clients, providing them with new ways to execute their market strategies. Our expansion into a wide range of currencies and trading pairs has opened up a universe of possibilities for our clients.
Today, we offer over 200 cryptocurrencies with new trading innovations – such as 1-click trading – continually being added to our arsenal.
2015: Making ETH accessible on the market
We were the first platform to list Ethereum’s Ether (ETH), underscoring our commitment to supporting the most promising and transformative technologies in the cryptocurrency space. By providing early access for traders and investors to participate in Ethereum, we enabled them to benefit from the massive growth of the network, which has since become a cornerstone of the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
By listing ETH ahead of other platforms, Kraken played a crucial role in facilitating the adoption and success of one of the most prominent blockchain platforms in the industry.
2017: Bridging the gap between fiat and cryptocurrency
We have innovated by integrating multiple fiat currencies, creating a seamless gateway for new customers around the world to enter the cryptocurrency market.
This bridge between traditional finance and the burgeoning world of digital assets is helping to accelerate the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. Globally, Kraken clients trade in six different national currencies, including EUR, GBP, USD, CAD, CHF, and AUD.
2019: Expansion into cryptocurrency futures
Our entry into the cryptocurrency futures market has provided institutional and retail investors with a new way to trade the price movements of cryptocurrencies without ever having to own or take custody of crypto assets.
Today, we offer over 160 perpetual futures contracts and some of the lowest fees in the industry (including a support fee as low as 0.01%). Clients can take advantage of the long or short side, hedge existing positions, and use leverage to trade capital efficiently.
2020: Obtaining the very first federally recognized digital asset bank charter
The State of Wyoming approved our application and we formed the world’s first Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI), Kraken Financial.*
The first digital asset company in U.S. history to receive a federally and state-recognized banking charter, Kraken Financial provides comprehensive digital asset custody services while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
2022: Partnership with Williams Racing Formula 1
We have joined forces with Williams Racing, a union of two powerhouses driven by a shared commitment to innovation and integrity. Our first major deal in the world of sport, this partnership is generating a spark of excitement among F1 fans and cryptocurrency enthusiasts alike.
From unlocking exclusive fan experiences with our Williams Grid Pass to on-site race promotions in Williams Fan Zones at F1 events, we’ve introduced the world of digital assets to Williams fans around the world.
2023: Testify before Congress to push for effective cryptocurrency regulation
General Counsel Marco Santori appeared before Congress on May 10, 2023 and testified before it. Describing our approach to risk management, security, and customer protection, he identified current gaps in U.S. rules that can be filled by Congress and cited legislative and regulatory advances in other developed economies.
Cryptocurrency markets transcend borders in new ways than traditional financial markets, and digital assets offer new ways for people to transact borderlessly, in real time, and fairly. We will continue to bring our collaborative voice to the ongoing debate about effective and fair regulation.
2024: Launch of Kraken Wallet and Kraken Institutional while bringing transparency to our listing process
We launched our secure and user-friendly digital asset management solution. Kraken Wallet supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, giving users greater control and convenience in managing their holdings.
Kraken Institutional was also launched, providing a one-stop shop for institutions that need reliable, scalable and easy-to-integrate crypto solutions.
Our new listing roadmap reflects our commitment to providing users with transparent access to our listing process and pipeline. It democratizes our listing process, providing an open application to list an asset on Kraken.
2011-2024: A lot has changed around us. Our goal remains the same.
As we look toward the horizon, the direction of our mission remains as clear, important, and unchanged as the first block on the Bitcoin blockchain. Our goal is to accelerate the adoption of cryptocurrency so that you and the rest of the world can achieve financial freedom and inclusion.
We will continue to meet you, our valued customers and prospects, wherever you are in your crypto journey. Count on us for the security, innovation, and award-winning customer experience that have become synonymous with the Kraken name.
While we were already here, 13 years later, the crypto revolution is still in its infancy. We’re excited to empower the next generation of crypto users, providing them with new tools to transact, connect, and thrive in the digital age. The future is bright, and Kraken is here to light the way.
*Custody services provided by Kraken Financial, a Wyoming-chartered special purpose depository institution. Kraken Financial is not an FDIC insured bank and deposits are not insured or subject to FDIC protections.
These materials are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice, or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell, stake, or hold any cryptoassets, or to participate in any specific trading strategy. Kraken makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability, or validity of this information and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or for any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of it. Kraken does not and will not work to increase or decrease the price of any particular cryptoasset that it makes available. Certain crypto products and markets are unregulated and you may not be protected by government compensation and/or regulatory protection schemes. The unpredictable nature of the cryptoasset markets may result in the loss of funds. Tax may be payable on any return and/or increase in the value of your crypto assets and you should seek independent advice on your tax position. Geographic restrictions may apply.
Trading futures, derivatives and other instruments using leverage involves an element of risk and may not be suitable for everyone. Read the Kraken Futures risk statement to learn more.
The availability of margin trading services is subject to certain limitations and eligibility criteria. Margin trading involves an element of risk and may not be suitable for everyone. Read Kraken’s Margin Disclosure Statement to learn more.
