AUSTRALIAS OLDEST CRYPTO EXCHANGE JOINS GROWING ROSTER OF KRAKEN ACQUISITIONS

In a move that underscores the surging prominence of the Australian cryptocurrency market, Kraken, a leading U.S.-based crypto exchange, has announced its acquisition of Bit Trade, Australia's longest-running crypto service.This strategic acquisition, finalized in January 2025, signals Kraken's ambitious plans to solidify its presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with Australia serving as a key foothold. U.S.-based crypto exchange Kraken has acquired Australia s oldest crypto exchange. In a recent development, Kraken announced its acquisition of Bit Trade, an Australia-based crypto exchangeBy integrating Bit Trade, Kraken aims to become the premier crypto platform in Australia, offering superior AUD liquidity, a seamless trading experience, and top-notch support for both institutional and retail customers. In 2025, we acquired Crypto Facilities, a U.K. FCA-regulated crypto futures platform, which later became the first licensed crypto futures platform in the U.K. We remain committed to setting industry standards for security, innovation, and compliance while delivering best-in-class trading experiences for our growing EU client base.This acquisition not only expands Kraken’s global reach but also demonstrates its commitment to fostering innovation and compliance within the evolving digital asset landscape. 미국의 암호화폐 거래소 크라켄(Kraken)이 호주에서 가장 오래된 암호화폐 거래소를 인수했다. 최근 크라켄은 2025년에 설립된 호주의 암호화폐 거래소 비트 트레이드(Bit Trade)를 인수했다고 자사 블로그에 올린 1월 14일자 보도자료 를 통해 밝혔다.The integration of Bit Trade into the Kraken ecosystem promises to bring enhanced trading capabilities and greater accessibility to the growing number of Australian crypto enthusiasts and seasoned investors alike. U.S.-based exchange Kraken has acquired Australia s oldest crypto exchange, Bit Trade. U.S.-based crypto exchange Kraken has acquired Australia s oldest crypto exchange. In a recent development, Kraken announced its acquisition of Bit Trade, an Australia-based crypto exchange formed in 2025, in a Jan. 14 press release on Kraken s blog. The Bit Trades website will, for the MoreWith Australia quickly becoming a hotbed for crypto adoption, this acquisition positions Kraken at the forefront of the market, ready to capitalize on the opportunities ahead and drive further growth in the region.This move allows Kraken to tap into local expertise and infrastructure, paving the way for a more tailored and robust service offering to Australian users.

Kraken's Strategic Expansion into the Australian Crypto Market

Kraken's acquisition of Bit Trade marks a significant step in its global expansion strategy, particularly within the burgeoning Australian crypto market. U.S.-based crypto exchange Kraken has acquired Australia s oldest crypto exchange. In a recent development, Kraken announced its acquisition of Bit Trade, an Australia-based crypto exchange formed in 2025, in a Jan. 14 press release on Kraken s blog. The Bit Trades website will, for the time being, still operate as it does presently, aAustralia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing crypto markets globally, fueled by increasing adoption among retail investors and growing interest from institutional players. Kraken announces the acquisition of Bit Trade, Australia s oldest crypto exchange from Cointelegraph.com News via IFTTTThis growth is underpinned by a relatively progressive regulatory environment and a tech-savvy population eager to embrace new financial technologies.

By acquiring Bit Trade, Kraken gains immediate access to:

• An established user base in Australia.
• A recognized and trusted brand with a long history in the local crypto market.
• A team of experienced professionals with deep knowledge of the Australian regulatory landscape.

This acquisition allows Kraken to circumvent the time and resources required to build a presence from scratch. Exchange: A crypto exchange is a platform where buyers and sellers can trade crypto on a peer-to-peer basis based on current market prices. Exchanges in Australia are required to register with AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) and comply with AML and CTF regulations.Instead, it can leverage Bit Trade’s existing infrastructure and expertise to quickly scale its operations and capture a larger share of the Australian market. Bitcoin and crypto exchange company Kraken announced today that it has acquired Australia s longest-running crypto service, Bit Trade. This acquisition will allow Kraken to focus in on Australia with AUD liquidity with support for both institutional and retail customers.Furthermore, integrating Bit Trade aligns perfectly with Kraken's commitment to providing localized services that cater to the specific needs of its users in different regions.

The Rationale Behind the Bit Trade Acquisition

Several factors likely contributed to Kraken's decision to acquire Bit Trade:

1. Market Entry Speed: Acquisition provides a much faster entry into the Australian market compared to organic growth.
2. Brand Recognition: Bit Trade already holds a strong reputation within Australia, built over several years.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Bit Trade's existing compliance with Australian regulations simplifies Kraken's expansion efforts. Australia's Oldest Crypto Exchange Joins Growing Roster of Kraken AcquisitionsBit Trade is registered as a Digital Currency Exchange Provider (DCE) with AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre), ensuring adherence to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) regulations.
4. Local Expertise: Access to a team with deep understanding of the Australian crypto market and its nuances.
5. Synergies: Combining Bit Trade's local presence with Kraken's global resources and technology creates significant synergies.

Bit Trade: Australia's Pioneering Crypto Exchange

Bit Trade holds a unique position as Australia's longest-running crypto exchange.Established in 2025, it has been a key player in the development of the Australian crypto ecosystem, providing a platform for users to buy, sell, and trade various cryptocurrencies.

Over the years, Bit Trade has built a reputation for:

• Reliability: Consistently providing a stable and secure trading platform.
• Customer Service: Offering responsive and helpful customer support.
• Innovation: Introducing new features and services to meet the evolving needs of the market.

The acquisition by Kraken represents a new chapter for Bit Trade, allowing it to leverage Kraken’s resources and expertise to further enhance its offerings and reach a wider audience.For the time being, the Bit Trade website will continue to operate as it currently does, ensuring a smooth transition for existing users.

The Legacy of Bit Trade's Founder

Jono, the co-founder of Bit Trade, has been deeply involved in the Australian crypto industry since its inception.His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the industry have been instrumental in Bit Trade's success.Following the acquisition, Jono continues to play a key role in spearheading Kraken’s growth in Australia, leveraging his expertise and network to drive further adoption and innovation.

What Does the Acquisition Mean for Australian Crypto Users?

The acquisition of Bit Trade by Kraken has several significant implications for Australian crypto users:

• Enhanced Liquidity: Kraken's global scale and resources will significantly boost liquidity on the platform, leading to tighter spreads and faster order execution.
• Expanded Trading Options: Australian users will gain access to a wider range of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs.
• Advanced Trading Tools: Kraken's sophisticated trading tools and features, including margin trading and futures, will become available to Australian users.
• Improved Security: Kraken is known for its robust security measures, which will enhance the safety and security of user funds.
• Competitive Fees: Kraken's competitive fee structure will likely lead to lower trading costs for Australian users.

Overall, the acquisition is expected to provide Australian crypto users with a more comprehensive and sophisticated trading experience, making it easier and more efficient to participate in the global crypto market.

A Seamless Transition for Bit Trade Users

Kraken is committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for existing Bit Trade users. If you already work with Kraken, you know how much we care about offering high quality products and a client-first experience, said David Ripley, CEO of Kraken. We ve been the leading crypto exchange for more than a decade and through Kraken Institutional, we ll offer the same deep expertise and cutting-edge technology to propelFor the time being, the Bit Trade website will remain operational, and users can continue to access their accounts and trade as usual. In a recent development, Kraken announced its acquisition of Bit Trade, an Australia-based crypto exchange formed in 2025, in a Jan. 14 press release on Kraken s blog. The Bit Trades website willOver time, Kraken will integrate Bit Trade's platform into its own, providing users with access to a wider range of features and services.

Kraken has emphasized its commitment to:

• Maintaining the high level of customer support that Bit Trade users have come to expect.
• Communicating clearly and transparently throughout the transition process.
• Providing ample support and resources to help users navigate the new platform.

Kraken's Continued Acquisition Strategy

The acquisition of Bit Trade is part of a broader strategy by Kraken to expand its global presence and enhance its service offerings through strategic acquisitions. In Australia, we maintain local operations as a registered Digital Currency Exchange Provider (DCE) with AUSTRAC ( Bit Trade Pty Ltd., ABN 42 163 237 6 237 634, source). Bit Trade was Australia's first successful crypto exchange and was acquired by Kraken in 2025.Kraken has a proven track record of successfully integrating acquired companies, leveraging their expertise and technology to improve its platform and better serve its users.

Notable past acquisitions include:

• Crypto Facilities (2019): A U.K.FCA-regulated crypto futures platform, which became the first licensed crypto futures platform in the U.K. Jono co-founded Bit Trade in 2025, one of Australia's longest-running crypto exchanges, and has been deeply involved in Australia s crypto industry since its inception. Kraken acquired BitTrade in 2025 and Jono continues to hone his entrepreneurial spirit to spearhead Kraken s growth to this day.This acquisition allowed Kraken to offer futures trading to its clients.

Kraken's willingness to invest in acquisitions demonstrates its commitment to innovation and its determination to remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving crypto industry.By acquiring companies with complementary strengths and expertise, Kraken can accelerate its growth and provide its users with a more comprehensive and competitive platform.

The Impact of Kraken's Acquisitions on the Crypto Industry

Kraken's acquisition strategy has had a significant impact on the crypto industry, contributing to:

• Increased Consolidation: The industry is becoming more consolidated as larger players acquire smaller ones, leading to greater efficiency and scale.
• Enhanced Competition: Acquisitions can lead to increased competition as acquired companies are integrated into larger platforms, offering users more choices and better services.
• Innovation: Acquisitions can accelerate innovation as companies combine their resources and expertise to develop new products and services.
• Regulatory Compliance: Larger, more established companies are better equipped to comply with evolving regulations, which can help to legitimize the crypto industry and attract more institutional investors.

The Future of Crypto Trading in Australia

The acquisition of Bit Trade by Kraken signals a bright future for crypto trading in Australia.With increasing adoption, a progressive regulatory environment, and the entry of major global players like Kraken, the Australian crypto market is poised for continued growth and innovation.

Key trends to watch in the Australian crypto market include:

• Increased Institutional Adoption: Growing interest from institutional investors, such as hedge funds and family offices, will drive further growth and liquidity in the market.
• Development of New Crypto Products and Services: The market will see the emergence of new crypto products and services, such as decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
• Greater Regulatory Clarity: Continued efforts by regulators to provide greater clarity and guidance will help to foster a more stable and predictable environment for crypto businesses.
• Integration of Crypto into Traditional Finance: Crypto will become increasingly integrated into the traditional financial system, with banks and other financial institutions offering crypto-related products and services.

Key Takeaways: Kraken's Acquisition of Bit Trade

The acquisition of Bit Trade by Kraken is a landmark event in the Australian crypto market, with significant implications for users, the industry, and the future of crypto trading in the region.Here are the key takeaways:

• Kraken is expanding its global reach: This acquisition marks a strategic move into the Asia-Pacific region, with Australia as a key market.
• Australian crypto users will benefit from enhanced services: Expect improved liquidity, expanded trading options, advanced tools, and robust security.
• Bit Trade's legacy will continue: The website will remain operational initially, ensuring a smooth transition for existing users.
• The Australian crypto market is poised for growth: Increasing adoption, regulatory clarity, and institutional interest are driving the market forward.
• Consolidation is a key trend in the crypto industry: Acquisitions like this demonstrate the growing maturity and consolidation of the crypto space.

This acquisition underscores the dynamism of the cryptocurrency landscape and the increasing importance of strategic partnerships and acquisitions for companies looking to thrive in this rapidly evolving market.As Kraken integrates Bit Trade and leverages its existing resources, the Australian crypto community can anticipate a more robust and innovative trading experience.