Kraken to Acquire NinjaTrader in a $1.5B Deal, Expanding Its Reach into Futures Market

Under Biden’s leadership many big institutions that struggled with SEC’s regulations are now spreading their wings in a clear sky! With the new SEC chair in place and Trump supporting the industry, things are getting better and better for crypto —dropped cases, friendly rules in making and what not.

If reports are to be believed, President Biden’s administration has good news in store for the crypto industry. According to The Wall Street Journal, Kraken, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, is in advanced talks to acquire NinjaTrader, a U.S.-based futures trading platform, in a deal valued at $1.5 billion.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the deal could be announced as early as Thursday. This move will allow Kraken to expand into the futures and derivatives market in the U.S. while helping NinjaTrader grow internationally.

This signals a significant strategic move by both companies. For Kraken, it might represent an effort to diversify beyond cryptocurrency by entering the futures trading space, leveraging NinjaTrader’s tools and technology.

What This Means for Kraken?

Kraken, founded in 2011, is already a key player in the crypto market, offering trading for assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. With this acquisition, Kraken will gain access to NinjaTrader’s 1.9 million active users, boosting its position in the futures market. More importantly, NinjaTrader is a registered Futures Commission Merchant, which means Kraken can now legally offer crypto futures and derivatives in the U.S.

This will be a major step in Kraken’s broader strategy of expanding beyond crypto trading into other asset classes, such as equities and payments.

According to reports, Kraken is aiming to expand its services to include stocks, aiming to offer a more comprehensive trading experience to its user base.

The integration of NinjaTrader's 1.8 million customers and trading tools with Kraken's crypto offerings signals a move toward more interoperable trading platforms.

How NinjaTrader Benefits?

NinjaTrader, founded in 2003, provides futures trading tools to over 1.8 million customers. Under Kraken, it will gain access to more resources and a wider global market. Kraken reportedly plans to support NinjaTrader’s expansion into the U.K., Europe, and Australia, helping it reach new traders and increase its market influence. While NinjaTrader will become part of Kraken’s trading ecosystem, it is expected to continue operating as a separate platform.

This potential acquisition comes at a time when the regulatory environment for crypto is shifting. With Biden’s administration focused on easing regulations and the SEC dropping a lawsuit against Kraken, the industry is expecting lighter oversight.

The deal with NinjaTrader could mark one of the biggest acquisitions in the crypto space, showing that major players are looking to expand beyond just digital assets.

Kraken’s growth has been remarkable, with its revenue doubling to $1.5 billion in 2024 and adjusted earnings reaching $380 million. If this deal goes through, it will further establish Kraken as a leading force in both the crypto and futures trading markets, making trading more connected and accessible for investors worldwide.