In this blog, we would like to share the details of how we decide which tokens to list and give yours the best chance of joining the 250+ cryptoassets we currently have on the platform.
Let’s get into the trenches and share our insights on what we look for in the assets we list at Kraken.
Overview of the four-step SEO process:
- You are applying: You fill out our asset listing request form
- We evaluate:We will use a set of data points to analyze each app on its own merits.
- Kraken Legal Approval and Preparation: We handle listing review, compliance validation and technical development prior to your registration
- Token Launch: We support and promote your launch, then monitor liquidity and volume to ensure everything is working as expected
Now, let’s dig deeper and see what each step involves.
Step 1: You apply via our Asset List Request Form
Whether you have already launched a token or are planning your Token Generation Event (TGE), your first step is to complete our application form.
Completing the form is to ensure that we have all the information we need to make the next steps go as smoothly as possible, helping us speed up the process of listing tokens that meet our listing criteria.
There are no shortcuts: We only consider assets submitted through the application form.
| Remember: Kraken will never charge you a listing fee to register on the exchange. |
We review all applications submitted to us and aim to provide teams with a response within two weeks. This is not always possible as we receive hundreds of applications each month, so please be patient.
| ✅ Things that speed up applications | ❌ Things that slow down apps |
| Provide as much detail as possible in your application, including: – Usefulness of tokens and tokenomics – Onchain metrics to highlight growth and potential – Link to your onchain contract – Details of your TGE plan (if applicable) – Your contact details (more on this later) |
– Submit multiple requests for the same property – Spam the team on Twitter for updates – Asking your VC, influencer friends, or a second-tier celebrity to try to push us to get listed (yes, this all happened) |
| Remember: There is no way to skip the queue. All listings go through the same rigorous review process. |
Step 2: We evaluate your application
We take both a qualitative and quantitative approach to evaluating tokens. During our initial review, we evaluate everything including the project’s team, technical aspects, fundamentals, community, and governance structures.
Evaluation parameters
| Asset profile | Focus on quantitative financial metrics of the token (e.g. market cap, volume, distribution, etc.) |
| Market topography | Assessment of the project’s vertical (e.g. DePIN vs. gaming), fundraising activity, and token utility, adoption, and maturity |
| Catalysts | Holistic engagement is key, whether it comes from a team’s performance and upcoming releases or from the community (Kraken customers and those on-chain) rallying around the product offering. |
We have also established certain red lines that we do not cross. This is to protect our customers and ensure an exceptional customer experience, as well as to ensure that we remain compliant with regulations in the jurisdictions we serve.
What happens after my application is reviewed?
Once your application has been reviewed, we will contact you to let you know if it has been accepted.
- If so, your asset will be automatically added to our private account, provisional quotation backlog. (Note: being on the provisional quotation backlog is not a reference guarantee).
- If your application is unsuccessful, we will contact you with our feedback. You will be able to reapply in three months.
| Remember: your project doesn’t have to be an A+ candidate. in all categories to be listed. |
Step 3: The Internal Referencing Process at Kraken
We know this is usually the most frustrating step for a project team. If a centralized exchange has an opaque review process, it can feel like people you don’t know are deciding your fate based on review criteria you don’t know either. That’s why we’re as open as possible about what happens once you submit your crypto asset for review.
This is the most step-by-step phase. It typically takes 2-6 weeks from the time a token is added to our draft list to the day it is listed on the exchange. It can take longer, depending on several factors, including the complexity of the development.
Our internal approval process is also divided into 4 steps:
- Ad Review 🔎
- The Kraken Rating Committee 🕺
- Legal and compliance validation 🏛️
- Development 🏗️
- Review of the list
We take all the information we gathered during our initial asset assessment and create a much more detailed asset review document with our category rating, project details, and our recommendation to list your token. This asset review document is then shared with the Kraken Listing Committee (KLC) for review and approval.
- The Kraken Rating Committee
The KLC is an elite team of business leaders and crypto OGs within Kraken who bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to each asset review.
The committee reviews each entry, then the committee members vote. If the majority of the committee supports the entry, we move forward. Why do we go to all this trouble for each entry? Two words: justice And integrity.
If your token is approved by the KLC, it will be added to our Listing Roadmap where we will publicly announce to the world that we are preparing to list your token. (Note: Being on the Listing Roadmap is not a reference guarantee).
- Legal and Compliance Approval
Once your business has been approved for listing by the KLC, our legal and compliance teams conduct a thorough review. This includes legal reviews for each country we operate in to ensure we remain compliant with all applicable laws and regulations specific to each country we serve.
Why does Kraken’s compliance team need to approve the asset?
Our mission is to spread the adoption of cryptocurrencies worldwide. To do this, we must maintain our seat at the table by respecting the rules and regulations set by each country in order to operate legally. We try to go further by making sure to only list the best projects.
| Remember: If you have already completed onboarding as a Kraken client, this can help speed up the signup process. |
- Development
While these legal and compliance reviews take place, we will begin work with our engineering teams to identify the on-chain contract, establish funding methods, and prepare everything for launch.
If you are on an unsupported channel, we will need to create gateways and nodes to connect to that channel. This will likely increase the time until the day of sale. The more complex or new the channel, the longer this may take.
| Remember: About 2-3 weeks before launch, it’s time to think about marketing. We’ll provide you with a media kit and post information about your launch (on your blog and social media). |
Step 4: On sale day! 🚀
We are now ready to launch your token on Kraken! As your listing date approaches, we will coordinate with your Market Makers (MMs) and post on social media and our various marketing channels to ensure as many people as possible are aware of your listing on Kraken.
Using MM contributes to market liquidity, volume growth, and better price discovery. It is one of the first steps towards creating a healthy trading market for a specific token.
Moving forward, we will be monitoring your asset pairs on Kraken. We will look at volume, liquidity, and spread to assess market performance.
| Remember: We recommend projects to use Market Makers at launch; many projects bring their own. |
The listing process is important to us because we believe that creators are the lifeblood of crypto. Our mission at Kraken is to accelerate the adoption of cryptocurrency around the world to promote financial freedom and inclusion. We couldn’t do this without the support of the projects and teams that are driving the industry forward. So, creators, click below and take the first step towards listing your crypto asset on Kraken!
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.
