Billion-Dollar Move: Kraken Acquires NinjaTrader to Become a Multi-Asset Trading Powerhouse

Crypto exchange Kraken has announced that it will buy NinjaTrader, a retail futures trading platform, for $1.5 billion.

Kraken’s co-CEO Arjun Sethi called this move “the first step in our vision of an institutional-grade trading platform where any asset can be traded, anytime.”

The deal will allow Kraken to expand into multiple asset classes, grow its user base, and strengthen its position as the leading cryptocurrency trading platform.

A Billion-Dollar Deal

Kraken NinjaTrader acquisition comes at a time when the industry is experiencing a major policy shift and can prove to be a transformative development.

Merging TradFi with Crypto

The Kraken NinjaTrader deal highlights the growing convergence of crypto companies and traditional financial (TradFi) firms. More importantly, it is a deal in which a crypto native acquires a TradFi.

It is also the largest-ever agreement between the conventional financial system characterized by centralized institutions and the emerging decentralized system using blockchain technology.

This deal will create a unified platform for all asset classes — from stocks and bonds to crypto and derivatives, leading to increased efficiency and improved decision-making.

Kraken’s Futures Expansion

While Kraken has captured a significant market share in the crypto space, it primarily serves the spot market. But now, by acquiring the NinjaTrader futures trading platform, it will be able to expand into U.S. futures and derivatives markets.

This means Kraken users will soon be able to truly diversify, access leverage, and manage risk better, strengthening its position as an innovative platform for professional traders.

The acquisition further accelerates Kraken’s multi-asset-class ambitions, which include plans for equities trading and payments.

Advanced Trading Tools

The billion-dollar deal will introduce seamless multi-asset trading for both Kraken and NinjaTrader clients. This means millions of users will now be able to trade crypto, futures, and traditional financial products.

Users will also benefit from advanced trading tools, including Kraken’s best-in-class crypto liquidity and smooth trading experience, and NinjaTrader’s pro-grade analytics, execution engines, and deep futures liquidity.

A Massive Acquisition

NinjaTrader serves nearly two million traders with its legal and advanced futures trading platform, while Kraken is one of the world’s longest-standing and most secure crypto platforms — and together they are set to transform the trading arena.

Access to the Regulated Futures Market

NinjaTrader is a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant (FCM), which would allow Kraken to offer crypto futures and derivatives in the U.S.

This means retail and institutional investors can access regulated futures and effectively manage crypto risk through advanced trading strategies. Moreover, it will open new avenues for both crypto and traditional futures, leading to greater efficiency, better pricing, lower costs, and an overall enhanced experience for users.

Accelerating Global Growth

Kraken is a regulated crypto exchange, having secured multiple licenses across various jurisdictions. This includes Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) licenses in the UK and EU, as well as Australian securities licenses.

By using Kraken’s regulatory status, NinjaTrader will be able to expand into the UK, Europe, and Australia with greater ease and speed.

Strengthening a Thriving Ecosystem

Over the last fourteen years, Kraken has established a thriving trading ecosystem. Since its inception, the exchange has executed 2.5 billion trades. In January 2025, it reported holding $42.8 bln in client assets and having 2.5 million funded accounts.

On top of it all, Kraken has successfully integrated real-time analytics provider Cryptowatch, regulated derivatives platform Crypto Facilities, and staking infrastructure Staked to offer a richer user experience.

NinjaTrader’s Value-Add

Founded in 2003, NinjaTrader is a Long Ridge Equity Partners-backed retail futures trading platform that offers low margins, low commissions, no minimum deposits, and free trade simulation.

Strong Market Presence

With over two decades of experience in offering exclusively futures trading, NinjaTrader has created a strong presence in the market. It is trusted by two million users to trade futures across metals, bonds, oil, gas, and indexes.

Advanced Trading Technology

NinjaTrader offers more than 100 futures products at low commissions and its wide investment selection, cloud-based access, and real-time analytics make it popular choice among futures traders.

Accessible via desktop, web, and mobile, NinjaTrader offers a powerful suite of tools that includes advanced charting, impact analysis tools, hundreds of popular and custom indicators, order flow tools, and daily livestreams.

Future Integration Opportunities

This acquisition would mean a smoother experience for Kraken and NinjaTrade users through cross-platform trading opportunities. Clients will enjoy the ability to trade a wide range of assets across markets, taking advantage of different conditions and narratives.

In addition to the ability to trade across platforms and devices, users will have access to enhanced liquidity and a much wider range of trading tools to improve their trading skills.

More Opportunities for Professional Traders

Skilled traders, in particular, would get to benefit a lot from this Kraken-NinjaTrader deal.

Easy Transition

Despite the acquisition, NinjaTrader will continue to operate as a standalone platform under the Kraken suite of trading and payment applications.

This means that NinjaTrader will continue to serve its clients with the same high-quality services as before, but with the added advantage of gaining access to an expanded array of trading opportunities in the future.

New Opportunities

Going forward, crypto, futures, and traditional financial products will all come under one roof, making it easier for clients to trade different markets. What’s more, clients will get access to institutional-grade trading tools and liquidity, which means better trade execution and more informed decision-making.

Cutting-Edge Tech

This crypto and traditional trading integration will make the platform future-ready for high-volume traders, who need sophisticated tools, robust risk management, and minimum slippage. Kraken’s NinjaTrader would provide them with enhanced market access, increased trading efficiency, lower costs, and efficient large trade execution.

Committed To Better Serving Customers

Beyond advanced tech, sophisticated tools, deeper liquidity, and more markets to trade, Kraken promises to serve its customers with better support and continuous improvements.

A Deep Trading Ecosystem

The acquisition of NinjaTrader futures trading platform is the biggest deal in terms of dollar value, but it’s far from the first. The exchange, long committed to providing top-tier services to its customers, has made several acquisitions over the years.

This includes acquisitions like Cryptowatch, Crypto Facilities, CF Benchmarks, and Staked — enabling Kraken to offer real-time analytics, regulated derivatives, index services, and secure rewards. Kraken will continue to expand its capabilities through strategic acquisitions in the future.

Ensuring Top-notch Security & Support

Boasting an uptime of 99.9%, Kraken offers millions of individuals, traders, and institutions around the globe consistent trading solutions so that they never miss an opportunity. If they run into any issues, the exchange ensures swift resolution through professional and reliable customer support, which is available 24/7/365.

On top of it all, Kraken maintains full transparency and has set a standard for client trust. It was actually the first one in the industry to conduct Proof of Reserves, so safety is clearly the priority here.

What’s Next?

While massive, Kraken’s NinjaTrader acquisition isn’t yet a done deal. But it will be shortly.

Deal Closing Date

The deal is expected to close in the first half of this year. This delay is due to the transaction being subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory review.

Future Plans

Kraken’s acquisition of NinjaTrader marks the beginning of something much bigger. With this first step, the crypto exchange is moving beyond crypto and into the broader world of traditional finance. Next, Kraken plans to integrate equities and payment solutions—and from there, it will continue expanding its footprint in global trading markets.

Kraken Acquires NinjaTrader to Shape the Future of Trading

With its low commissions, diverse future markets, analytical tools, and in-depth market insights, NinjaTrader has become a favorite among professional traders. By acquiring this regulated, futures-focused platform, Kraken is solidifying its position as a multi-asset trading powerhouse that offers users greater opportunities, exposure to larger markets, and smarter risk management.

Expand your portfolio! Access crypto, futures, and more — all in one powerful platform.

Visit Kraken FAQs What is the strategic significance of Kraken acquiring NinjaTrader?

Kraken’s acquisition of NinjaTrader will strengthen its position in the crypto market and accelerate its multi-asset class plan to expand into equities trading and payments.

Will NinjaTrader continue to operate independently?

Yes, NinjaTrader will continue to operate as a standalone platform under Kraken.

How will this acquisition impact Kraken’s crypto and futures trading services?

This billion-dollar acquisition will allow Kraken to offer crypto futures and derivatives in the U.S. along with more liquidity and market options.

References

• Kraken to acquire NinjaTrader: Introducing the next era of professional trading (Kraken)
• Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) Definition (Investopedia)
• Kraken 2024 financial highlights (Kraken)

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