The Rise of Kraken: 13 Years of Crypto Innovation

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A Commitment to Security, Innovation, and Transparency

In 2011, Kraken embarked on a mission to accelerate cryptocurrency adoption and empower global financial freedom. Today, it stands as one of the most trusted and secure crypto platforms, serving over 13 million clients worldwide through intuitive mobile apps (Kraken, Kraken Pro, and Kraken Wallet) and advanced desktop trading interfaces.

2011: Founding a Safer Crypto Future

Jesse Powell, a Bitcoin industry veteran, co-founded Kraken after witnessing the security shortcomings of early exchanges like Mt. Gox. Launched on July 28, 2011, Kraken emerged as the first professional crypto exchange prioritizing security. Bitcoin traded at $13.94 that day—a far cry from today’s valuations, reflecting a growth of over 1,600,000% for early holders.

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2014: Expanding Trading Tools

Kraken introduced margin trading and advanced order types, revolutionizing how traders engage with crypto markets. Today, it supports 200+ cryptocurrencies and features like 1-Click Trading.

2015: Pioneering ETH Adoption

As the first platform to list Ethereum (ETH), Kraken enabled early access to what became DeFi’s backbone. This move cemented its role in fostering blockchain innovation.

2017: Bridging Fiat and Crypto

Kraken integrated six fiat currencies (EUR, GBP, USD, CAD, CHF, AUD), simplifying global crypto access and accelerating mainstream adoption.

2019: Entering Crypto Futures

Launching 160+ perpetual futures contracts with fees as low as 0.01%, Kraken offered new ways to trade volatility without direct asset ownership.

2020: Trailblazing Regulatory Compliance

Kraken Financial became the first federally recognized digital asset bank under Wyoming’s SPDI charter, combining custody services with full regulatory adherence.

2022: Partnering with Williams Racing

Collaborating with Williams F1, Kraken connected crypto to sports, offering fan experiences like the Williams Grid Pass NFT.

2023: Advocating for Crypto Regulation

Chief Legal Officer Marco Santori testified before Congress, advocating for clearer crypto laws and highlighting global regulatory advancements.

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2024: Transparency and Expansion


FAQ Section

1. How does Kraken ensure security?

Kraken employs robust protocols like cold storage, encryption, and regular audits, maintaining a flawless security track record since 2011.

2. What makes Kraken’s fee structure competitive?

With maker/taker fees as low as 0%/0.16% and futures fees from 0.01%, Kraken offers among the lowest rates in the industry.

3. Can I trade fiat on Kraken?

Yes! Kraken supports EUR, GBP, USD, CAD, CHF, and AUD, bridging traditional finance with crypto.

4. Is Kraken suitable for institutional investors?

Absolutely. Kraken Institutional provides scalable, compliant solutions for enterprises.

5. How does Kraken’s ETH listing impact investors?

Early ETH access allowed investors to capitalize on DeFi’s growth, showcasing Kraken’s foresight in supporting transformative tech.


Looking Ahead: Kraken remains steadfast in its mission—democratizing finance through crypto. As the industry evolves, Kraken continues to innovate, ensuring security, transparency, and user empowerment.

_*Custody services by Kraken Financial (SPDI). Not FDIC-insured.
Disclaimer: Crypto trading involves risk. Margin and derivatives are complex instruments; ensure you understand the risks before proceeding. Regional restrictions apply._