Kraken to Acquire Trading Platform NinjaTrader for $1.5B

San Francisco-based cryptocurrency exchange Kraken is set to acquire trading platform NinjaTrader for approximately $1.5 billion. The deal would mark a major milestone for the exchange, allowing it to offer crypto futures and derivatives to United States customers, thus strengthening its position in the ever-evolving crypto landscape. 

According to the press release, this transaction marks the largest-ever deal combining traditional finance (TradFi) and crypto.

Combining TradFi and Crypto

Founded in 2003, NinjaTrader is a CFTC-licensed platform that provides advanced futures trading tools to nearly two million traders. Through this deal, Kraken will gain access to a robust trading platform, a vast user base, and a wealth of expertise in the futures trading space. 

This will enable the exchange to accelerate its multi-asset-class ambitions, offering its customers a more comprehensive suite of trading products and services.

“This transaction is the first step in our vision of an institutional-grade trading platform where any asset can be traded, anytime. Together, Kraken and NinjaTrader will power the integration of traditional markets with crypto by offering cutting-edge tools and the ability to rapidly move across asset classes that the most sophisticated traders demand”, the exchange stated. 

Furthermore, this acquisition will also benefit NinjaTrader as it will play a vital role in expanding its reach. The platform could potentially grow into markets in the United Kingdom, continental Europe, and Australia under Kraken’s ownership. 

Despite the acquisition, NinjaTrader is expected to continue operating as a standalone platform. This approach is intended to allow it to maintain its existing customer base while benefiting from Kraken’s resources.

It is worth noting that this deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2025.

Regulatory Changes Favor Kraken’s Expansion

Interestingly, the timing of this deal seems favorable to Kraken. Earlier this month, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission dismissed its lawsuit against the exchange with no penalties paid and no changes to the platform’s business model. The exchange also reintroduced staking for US clients in January, reflecting an increased focus on the country following the pro-crypto stance under Donald Trump’s administration. 

Moreover, the crypto exchange expanded its trading services recently by officially receiving a license to operate as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI)in the United Kingdom.