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Kraken, one of the world’s most established and secure cryptocurrency exchanges, has made significant strides in expanding its presence and services across Europe.With a strategic focus on regulatory compliance and a commitment to providing a trusted environment for traders and investors, Kraken has positioned itself as a leading player in the burgeoning European crypto market. In Belgium, Payward Europe Solutions Limited, trading as Kraken, has launched Virtual Asset Service Provider Services (VASP Services) through its Irish Virtual Asset Service Provider registration to provide crypto-asset exchange and custody services. Clients residing in Belgium are subject to the following restrictions:From obtaining crucial licenses to launching regulated crypto derivatives, Kraken's journey in Europe is marked by innovation and a dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its customers.This article delves into Kraken's European operations, exploring its licensing achievements, the services it offers, and its strategic approach to navigating the complex regulatory landscape.We'll examine how Kraken's expansion aligns with the growth of the European crypto market and what it means for both retail and institutional investors. The EMI license, granted to Kraken s subsidiary in Ireland, enables Kraken to expand its EUR fiat services in partnership with European banks. This extends to clients in the 27 European Union (EU) member states and European Economic Area (EEA) countries a key growth region for the company.Get ready to explore the world of Kraken Europe and discover how you can leverage its platform for your crypto trading and investment needs. The move is a strategic one. Europe is one of the fastest-growing regions for digital asset trading and investment, said Shannon Kurtas, Kraken s head of exchange. Clients and partners increasingly seek comprehensive offerings within a regulated framework. 📣 Kraken Pro FUTURES trading is now regulated across Europe!This is your guide to understanding Kraken's powerful presence in the European market, and how you can make the most of it.

Kraken's Regulatory Foothold in Europe: Licenses and Compliance

Kraken's commitment to operating within a regulated framework is a cornerstone of its European strategy.The company has actively pursued and secured various licenses across different European countries, demonstrating its dedication to compliance and building trust with its users.

Key Regulatory Achievements

• EMI License in Ireland: In September 2025, Kraken secured an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from the Central Bank of Ireland. Crypto exchange Kraken has acquired Dutch digital asset broker Coin Meester B.V. (BCM) as part of a broader strategy to penetrate the European market. The development came almost a year after Kraken announced its intention to buy BCM in October 2025. The exchange said the acquisition wouldThis license allows Kraken to enhance its euro-denominated services and collaborate with European banks, expanding its reach across the 27 European Union (EU) member states and European Economic Area (EEA) countries.
• VASP Registration in Spain: Kraken successfully registered with the Bank of Spain as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP). Kraken s Strategic European Expansion Kraken has been actively expanding its footprint in Europe. In September 2025, the company secured an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from the Central Bank of Ireland, allowing it to enhance its euro-denominated services in collaboration with European banks.This registration allows Kraken to offer crypto-related services to Spanish residents in compliance with local regulations.
• VASP Licenses in Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands: Kraken has also obtained VASP licenses in Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands. The U.S.-based crypto exchange Kraken announced on May 20 that it has launched regulated crypto derivatives in Europe. Kraken's retail and institutional clients in the European Economic Area (EEAThese licenses allow the company to offer regulated VASP services directly or through its subsidiaries, further strengthening its position in the European market.
• MiFID License through Acquisition: Kraken obtained a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license in the EU through the acquisition of a Cypriot Investment Firm, approved by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).This license enables Kraken to offer regulated crypto derivatives to its European clients.

These regulatory achievements highlight Kraken's proactive approach to navigating the complex European regulatory landscape. Kraken s'associe Mastercard, pour acc l rer l'av nement des paiements en crypto-actifs au Royaume-Uni et en Europe. En s appuyant sur le r seau mondial de paiements de Mastercard, Kraken renforce sa gamme de solutions de paiement, permettant des millions d utilisateurs de d penser leurs crypto-actifs chez plus de 150 millions de commer ants dans le monde entier.By securing these licenses and registrations, Kraken demonstrates its commitment to providing a secure and compliant platform for its users.

Expanding Crypto Derivatives Offering in the EEA

One of Kraken's most significant moves in Europe was the launch of regulated crypto derivatives. Kraken, one of the longest-standing, most liquid and secure cryptocurrency exchanges, has launched the largest regulated crypto derivatives offering in Europe, providing clients and partners with access to a full suite of liquid futures instruments, all within a recognized regulatory framework. Clients and partners in the European Economic Area (EEA) can now trade a full suite of cryptoThis offering caters to both retail and institutional clients in the European Economic Area (EEA) and positions Kraken as a leading provider of such services.

What are Crypto Derivatives?

Crypto derivatives are financial contracts whose value is derived from an underlying cryptocurrency. Kraken gained a foothold in Europe during 2025 by adding virtual asset service provider (VASP) licenses in Ireland, Italy, and Spain. [35] Later that year, the company announced plans to acquire Coin Meester B.V. (BCM), a Netherlands-based crypto exchange, as part of its regional growth strategy. [36]They allow traders to speculate on the price movements of cryptocurrencies without actually owning the underlying assets.

Kraken's Regulated Crypto Derivatives Platform

Kraken's crypto derivatives platform offers perpetual and fixed maturity contracts under the MiFID II framework. Achetez, vendez, tradez et apprenez-en plus sur la crypto sur Kraken, la plateforme d change de crypto-monnaies simple et puissante qui volue avec vous.This means that the platform is subject to strict regulatory oversight, providing traders with a higher level of security and transparency.

Benefits of Trading Crypto Derivatives on Kraken

• Regulation: Kraken's derivatives platform is regulated under MiFID II, ensuring compliance with European financial regulations.
• Liquidity: As one of the most liquid crypto exchanges, Kraken offers deep liquidity for its derivatives products.
• Institutional-Grade Infrastructure: Kraken's derivatives platform provides institutional-grade infrastructure, catering to the needs of both retail and institutional traders.
• Local Fiat Support: Kraken offers strong local fiat support, making it easier for European traders to deposit and withdraw funds.

Strategic Acquisitions to Enhance European Presence

Kraken has also pursued strategic acquisitions to strengthen its presence in Europe. Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has recently been licensed to operate in the Netherlands. Obtaining the provider license is a step in Kraken s plan to broaden its European footprint. Kraken acquired Dutch crypto broker BCM last October, and now, with a virtual asset service provider (VASPThese acquisitions have allowed Kraken to expand its product offerings, gain access to new markets, and enhance its technological capabilities.

Acquisition of BCM (Coin Meester B.V.)

In 2025, Kraken acquired Dutch crypto broker Coin Meester B.V. (BCM).This acquisition provided Kraken with a foothold in the Dutch market and allowed it to offer its services to a wider range of European customers.

Acquisition of Crypto Facilities

Kraken acquired Crypto Facilities, a U.K. It follows our recent rollout of equities trading for U.S. clients, giving millions of Americans access to over 11,000 U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs directly within the Kraken app. We re planning to expand that offering to clients in the U.K, Europe and Australia soon.FCA-regulated crypto derivatives platform.This acquisition bolstered Kraken's derivatives offerings and provided it with access to a team of experienced derivatives professionals.

Acquisition of NinjaTrader

While primarily focused on the U.S. market, Kraken's $1.5 billion acquisition of NinjaTrader reflects its broader ambition to drive derivatives trading globally, potentially influencing its European strategy as well.

Kraken's Service Offerings in Europe

Kraken offers a comprehensive suite of services to its European customers, catering to both beginners and experienced traders.These services include:

• Crypto Exchange: Kraken's core service is its crypto exchange, which allows users to buy, sell, and trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
• Crypto Derivatives: As mentioned earlier, Kraken offers regulated crypto derivatives to its European clients.
• Staking: Kraken allows users to stake certain cryptocurrencies to earn rewards.
• Custody Services: Kraken provides secure custody services for its clients' digital assets.
• Fiat Currency Support: Kraken supports a wide range of fiat currencies, making it easy for European users to deposit and withdraw funds.

In Belgium, Payward Europe Solutions Limited, trading as Kraken, provides Virtual Asset Service Provider Services (VASP Services), including crypto-asset exchange and custody services. As one of the most liquid, onshore regulated brokers and exchanges for crypto derivatives in Europe, Kraken Derivatives provides institutional-grade infrastructure, strong local fiat support, andThese services are offered through Kraken's Irish Virtual Asset Service Provider registration.

Navigating the Evolving European Crypto Landscape

The European crypto market is evolving rapidly, with new regulations and developments constantly emerging.Kraken is actively adapting to this changing landscape and is committed to providing its users with the best possible experience.

The Impact of MiCA Regulation

The new Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation is set to have a significant impact on the European crypto market. As we continue to expand our services across the globe, our focus on the European market remains a top priority, said Shannon Kurtas, Kraken Co-GM of Pro Exchange. This acquisition reflects our confidence in the EU and underscores our commitment to providing a trusted, regulated environment for advanced crypto traders and investors.MiCA aims to provide a harmonized regulatory framework for crypto assets across the EU, fostering innovation and protecting consumers.

Kraken has been actively preparing for the implementation of MiCA and is committed to complying with the new regulations.The company believes that MiCA will provide greater clarity and certainty for the crypto industry in Europe, which will ultimately benefit its users.

Kraken's Stance on Crypto Asset Price Manipulation

Kraken has a strict policy against manipulating the price of any crypto asset it makes available. Kraken also made a $1.5 billion acquisition of NinjaTrader to drive derivatives trading in the U.S. As well as its European license, Kraken acquired Crypto Facilities, a U.K. FCA-regulated cryptoThe company understands that the unpredictable nature of crypto-asset markets can lead to loss of funds and is committed to maintaining a fair and transparent trading environment.

Tips for Trading Crypto on Kraken in Europe

If you're interested in trading crypto on Kraken in Europe, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Do Your Research: Before investing in any cryptocurrency, it's important to do your research and understand the risks involved.
2. Start Small: If you're new to crypto trading, start with a small amount of capital that you can afford to lose.
3. Use Risk Management Tools: Kraken offers a variety of risk management tools, such as stop-loss orders and take-profit orders, to help you manage your risk.
4. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and developments in the crypto market.
5. Seek Professional Advice: If you're unsure about anything, seek advice from a qualified financial advisor.

Kraken Pro and Advanced Trading Features

Kraken offers different platforms to cater to varied trader needs.Kraken Pro and the Futures app provide professional customers with advanced trading features, alongside the standard Kraken app designed for all investor levels.

Advantages of Kraken Pro

• Advanced Charting Tools: Provides in-depth analysis of crypto price movements.
• Order Types: Offers limit, market, stop-loss, and other order types for precise trading strategies.
• Lower Fees: Pro users often benefit from reduced trading fees.

Kraken Futures App

Specifically designed for derivatives trading, including perpetual futures regulated within the EEA. Kraken moves toward a wider European presence with key regulatory steps in Spain and Ireland after it obtained an EU e-money license. According to a press release on Sept 26, the exchange announced a progression in Europe after it successfully registered with the Bank of Spain for a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license.This app grants access to leverage and advanced risk management tools.

Kraken's Partnership with Mastercard in the UK and Europe

Kraken partnered with Mastercard to enable crypto-asset payments across the UK and Europe. Kraken does not and will not work to increase or decrease the price of any particular cryptoasset it makes available. The unpredictable nature of the crypto-asset markets can lead to loss of funds. Tax may be payable on any return and/or on any increase in the value of your cryptoassets and you should seek independent advice on your taxationLeveraging Mastercard's global payment network, Kraken enhances payment solutions and allows millions of users to spend their crypto-assets at over 150 million merchants globally.

Kraken App: Equities Trading and Future Expansion

Following the launch of equities trading for U.S. clients, Kraken plans to expand this offering to the UK, Europe, and Australia.This strategic move allows users direct access to over 11,000 U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs directly within the Kraken app.

Kraken's Commitment to Customer Service in Europe

Kraken emphasizes customer service in local languages across Europe.CEO David Ripley stated that Kraken's innovative product suite and excellent local language client service support will attract prospective clients as crypto becomes more mainstream across Europe.

Addressing Common Questions about Kraken in Europe

Is Kraken available in Europe?

Yes, Kraken is available in Europe and operates in various countries with relevant licenses and registrations, including Ireland, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Is Kraken regulated in Europe?

Yes, Kraken is regulated in Europe and complies with relevant financial regulations. Kraken has accelerated its European expansion over the past two years, in anticipation of the MiCA regulatory framework. Kraken is now able to offer regulated VASP services directly or through itsIt has obtained licenses such as the EMI license in Ireland and the MiFID license through the acquisition of a Cypriot Investment Firm.

What services does Kraken offer in Europe?

Kraken offers a wide range of services in Europe, including crypto exchange, crypto derivatives, staking, custody services, and fiat currency support.

Is Kraken Pro available in Europe?

Yes, Kraken Pro is available in Europe, offering advanced trading features and lower fees to experienced traders.

What are the fees for using Kraken in Europe?

Kraken's fees vary depending on the service and trading volume. One of Kraken s European entities, Payward Europe Solutions Limited, has notified its intention to provide in Belgium services for exchanging between virtual and fiat currencies and/or acting as custodial wallet provider (the VASP Services ) as of 1st November, 2025.It is recommended to check Kraken's website for the latest fee schedule.

Conclusion: Kraken's Leading Role in the European Crypto Market

Kraken has firmly established itself as a key player in the European crypto market through strategic licensing, acquisitions, and a commitment to regulatory compliance. The new Kraken app means Kraken, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in Europe by euro trading volumes, can now provide a complete offering for investors at every level from beginner to advanced. Together with the Pro and Futures apps, which provide professional customers with advanced trading features, the new Kraken app delivers aBy offering a comprehensive suite of services, from crypto exchange to regulated derivatives, Kraken caters to the diverse needs of European traders and investors.The company's proactive approach to adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape, including the upcoming MiCA regulation, positions it for continued success in the years to come.For anyone looking to engage with the crypto market in Europe, Kraken Europe provides a reliable, regulated, and innovative platform.With its dedication to customer service, secure infrastructure, and expanding service offerings, Kraken is well-positioned to lead the way in the European crypto revolution.Take advantage of the comprehensive range of crypto services offered by Kraken and embark on your secure crypto journey in Europe today!