Kraken Launches Commission-Free Trading for 11,000 US Stocks – Coincu

Kraken announced on April 14 the launch of commission-free trading services for over 11,000 US stocks and ETFs through its subsidiary, Kraken Securities, initially available in states including New Jersey, Connecticut, and Wyoming.

This marks Kraken’s debut into traditional finance, aiming to provide a seamless trading experience across asset classes.

Crypto Exchanges Expanding Into Traditional Finance Domains

Kraken has launched commission-free trading for more than 11,000 US stocks and ETFs, integrating with existing crypto services. This service, available initially in a few states, supports fractional share investments, enhancing accessibility and integrated management of digital and traditional assets.

Immediate changes include Kraken allowing users to trade equities and cryptocurrencies seamlessly. This move aligns Kraken with market competitors like Robinhood, highlighting a push towards a borderless trading framework using crypto technology.

Reactions from communities have been mixed. While proponents celebrate the expansion into equities, skeptics voice concerns over potential regulations. Arjun Sethi, Co-CEO of Kraken, emphasized that “Crypto isn’t just evolving, it’s becoming the backbone for trading across asset classes.” He further stated, “Expanding into equities paves the way for the tokenization of assets. The future of trading is borderless, always on, and built on crypto rails — and Kraken will continue to lead this shift.”

Did you know? Before the launch of Kraken’s trading platform, Robinhood was among the few platforms offering seamless investment transitions between stocks and cryptocurrencies, capturing a diverse investor demographic.

Kraken’s expansion resembles trends seen elsewhere, as cryptocurrency platforms explore traditional finance. Similar efforts by FTX US, prior to its demise, and Robinhood’s ongoing operations in stock and crypto trades illustrate the increasing blurring lines between financial sectors.

Experts predict that Kraken’s move may prompt further interest in asset tokenization and 24/7 trading, as the market seeks to adopt crypto technologies for ease of cross-border investments. This transition could serve as a catalyst for more crypto exchanges to enter the equities market.