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Kraken has announced its plan to acquire NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion, marking a significant move to expand its presence in the futures trading market. This acquisition aims to solidify Kraken's position as a comprehensive, 24/7 trading platform catering to professional traders. NinjaTrader, a leading U.S. retail futures trading platform, brings with it a substantial user base and advanced trading tools, which Kraken intends to integrate into its existing services.
The deal is expected to accelerate Kraken's ambitions to become a multi-asset-class platform, encompassing not just cryptocurrencies, but also traditional financial instruments. A key aspect of this acquisition is NinjaTrader's status as a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant (FCM), which will enable Kraken to offer regulated crypto futures and derivatives trading within the United States.
This strategic move also opens up opportunities for global expansion, as Kraken's existing regulatory licenses in regions like the UK, Europe, and Australia can facilitate NinjaTrader's growth in those markets. The acquisition promises to create a seamless trading experience for users of both platforms, allowing them to access a wider range of assets and advanced trading tools.
The transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. NinjaTrader will continue to operate as a standalone platform within the Kraken ecosystem, with its users gaining access to an expanded suite of trading opportunities. This deal represents a major convergence of traditional finance and the cryptocurrency sector.