Crypto-native exchange Kraken has officially expanded into the world of traditional equities, offering commission-free trading of over 11,000 U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs. While this move primarily targets retail clients across ten U.S. states, it also signals a deeper transformation of how financial instruments are accessed, traded, and even tokenized.

One Account, Multi-Asset Access

For the first time, Kraken users can manage crypto, stocks, and ETFs from the same platform. This eliminates the need to switch between apps or brokers, and allows for direct reinvestment of stock proceeds into crypto—and vice versa. The firm’s longer-term vision includes rolling out this capability internationally, with the UK, Europe, and Australia as key targets.

       "Expanding into equities is a natural step for us and paves the way for the tokenization of assets," said Arjun Sethi, Kraken's Co-CEO.

Why This Matters to Prop Traders

Prop trading firms that already support crypto or plan to expand into multi-asset trading should watch this closely:

• Unified trading experience: Easier execution and cross-asset strategies in one ecosystem
  
  
• Tokenization-ready infrastructure: A clear alignment with prop firms exploring synthetic assets or on-chain portfolios
  
  
• 24/7 trading culture: Kraken is reinforcing the notion of always-on markets, something prop firms are increasingly modeling

Regulatory Green Light

Kraken’s equities services are offered through Kraken Securities LLC, a FINRA-regulated entity. Meanwhile, its crypto operations remain under a separate division. The company’s recent progress with the SEC—which agreed in principle to dismiss a civil lawsuit—adds regulatory momentum to its expansion.

Final Thoughts

Kraken’s pivot toward traditional finance isn’t just a product update—it’s a strategic shift toward the future of trading. For prop firms, it sets the stage for deeper crypto-equity integrations, flexible asset management, and new trading models that transcend legacy market hours.

As the lines between crypto and traditional assets continue to blur, firms that embrace both worlds may hold a unique edge in the next phase of prop trading.

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