What is Kraken's contract delivery process?

Kraken uses a cash-settled delivery process for traditional futures, automatically settling contracts at term end based on the difference between settlement and entry prices.

Apr 23, 2025 at 10:50 am

Kraken, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, offers a variety of services to its users, including the ability to engage in futures trading. One crucial aspect of futures trading is the contract delivery process, which determines how contracts are settled at the end of their term. Understanding Kraken's contract delivery process is essential for traders looking to navigate the futures market effectively. This article will delve into the details of Kraken's contract delivery process, providing a comprehensive overview of how it works.

What is Contract Delivery?

Contract delivery refers to the process by which futures contracts are settled at the end of their term. In the context of cryptocurrency futures, contract delivery can be either physical or cash-settled. Physical delivery involves the actual transfer of the underlying asset, while cash-settled delivery involves a cash payment based on the difference between the contract's settlement price and the price at which the contract was entered.

Types of Futures Contracts on Kraken

Kraken offers several types of futures contracts, including perpetual futures and traditional futures. Perpetual futures do not have an expiration date and are settled periodically through a funding mechanism. Traditional futures, on the other hand, have a fixed expiration date and are subject to the contract delivery process.

Kraken's Contract Delivery Process for Traditional Futures

For traditional futures, Kraken employs a cash-settled delivery process. This means that at the end of the contract term, the difference between the contract's settlement price and the price at which the contract was entered is calculated. If the settlement price is higher than the entry price, the buyer receives a cash payment from the seller. Conversely, if the settlement price is lower than the entry price, the buyer pays the seller.

To ensure a smooth and transparent contract delivery process, Kraken follows these steps:

• Determining the Settlement Price: Kraken uses a specific methodology to determine the settlement price of the futures contract. This typically involves taking the average price of the underlying asset over a specified period leading up to the contract's expiration.

• Calculating the Settlement Amount: Once the settlement price is determined, Kraken calculates the settlement amount by comparing it to the contract's entry price. The difference between these two prices is then multiplied by the contract size to determine the total settlement amount.

• Executing the Settlement: Kraken automatically executes the settlement process at the end of the contract term. The appropriate funds are transferred between the buyer and seller based on the calculated settlement amount.

• Notifying Users: Kraken notifies users of the settlement details, including the settlement price and the amount transferred. This information is available in the user's trading account and can be reviewed for accuracy.

Funding Mechanism for Perpetual Futures

While traditional futures on Kraken are settled through the contract delivery process, perpetual futures use a different mechanism called funding. The funding mechanism involves periodic payments between long and short positions to ensure that the price of the perpetual futures contract remains closely aligned with the spot price of the underlying asset.

The funding rate is calculated based on the difference between the perpetual futures contract price and the spot price of the underlying asset. If the perpetual futures contract price is higher than the spot price, long positions pay funding to short positions. Conversely, if the perpetual futures contract price is lower than the spot price, short positions pay funding to long positions.

Kraken automatically calculates and executes the funding payments at regular intervals, typically every eight hours. Users can view the funding rate and upcoming funding payments in their trading account.

Managing Risk in Futures Trading

Understanding Kraken's contract delivery process is crucial for managing risk in futures trading. Traders should be aware of the following key points:

• Margin Requirements: Kraken requires traders to maintain a certain level of margin in their account to cover potential losses. It's important to monitor margin levels and ensure they are sufficient to avoid liquidation.

• Position Sizing: Proper position sizing is essential for managing risk. Traders should carefully consider the size of their futures positions relative to their overall portfolio and risk tolerance.

• Stop-Loss Orders: Utilizing stop-loss orders can help limit potential losses. Traders can set stop-loss orders to automatically close their positions if the market moves against them beyond a certain threshold.

• Monitoring Market Conditions: Staying informed about market conditions and news that may impact the price of the underlying asset is crucial for successful futures trading. Traders should regularly monitor market trends and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I choose between physical and cash-settled delivery on Kraken?

A: No, Kraken only offers cash-settled delivery for its traditional futures contracts. Physical delivery is not available on the platform.

Q: How often does Kraken settle perpetual futures contracts?

A: Kraken settles perpetual futures contracts through the funding mechanism every eight hours. This ensures that the perpetual futures contract price remains closely aligned with the spot price of the underlying asset.

Q: What happens if I don't have enough margin to cover my futures positions on Kraken?

A: If your account does not have sufficient margin to cover your futures positions, Kraken may automatically liquidate your positions to prevent further losses. It's important to monitor your margin levels and maintain adequate funds in your account.

Q: Can I trade futures on Kraken using leverage?

A: Yes, Kraken allows traders to use leverage when trading futures. However, using leverage increases both potential profits and potential losses, so it should be used cautiously and with proper risk management strategies in place.