Kraken launches crypto futures in Europe under MiFID II framework

Kraken has launched a suite of regulated crypto derivatives in Europe, expanding access to both perpetual and fixed maturity contracts under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive.

The offering is available through Payward Europe Digital Solutions, a Cyprus-based investment firm acquired by Kraken earlier this year, according to the company.

The launch allows eligible clients and partners across the European Economic Area to trade crypto derivatives within a recognized regulatory framework. 

Kraken says the platform will support institutional-grade infrastructure, local fiat on-ramps, and a range of collateral options designed to support risk management and capital efficiency.

Kraken’s advance into the European derivatives market

With the rollout, Kraken aims to strengthen its position in Europe’s regulated derivatives market, a region the company identifies as showing strong growth in digital asset trading. 

The firm first entered the regulated crypto derivatives space in 2019 and has since built out global liquidity across multiple instruments.

“Europe is one of the fastest-growing regions for digital asset trading and investment,” said Shannon Kurtas, Kraken Head of Exchange. “The launch of regulated derivatives in Europe is well-timed to meet this growing demand.”

The derivatives products will be accessible through a MiFID-licensed entity, aligning Kraken’s offerings with European regulatory standards.

The company positions this step as part of a broader strategy to meet institutional and professional investor demand for regulated trading environments and integrated product suites.