We’re thrilled to announce that Kraken ranked #2 globally in Kaiko’s Q2 2025 Exchange Ranking, up from our #3 spot in Q1. This advance reflects what our global community already knows: We aren’t just one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges, we’re a platform that’s constantly improving, evolving and pushing the industry forward. Kaiko’s exchange ranking is among the most rigorous in the space, offering a data-driven assessment across multiple core dimensions, including market quality, legal and regulatory compliance, security practices and transparency standards. Kraken performed well across all of these categories, with especially strong marks in market depth, order book consistency, regulatory footprint and data openness. This report highlights not just where we stand today, but how our long-term strategy continues to deliver for traders, institutions and crypto-native builders alike. First off, who is Kaiko? Kaiko is a leading provider of cryptocurrency market data, analytics and indices, offering businesses institutional-grade, regulatory-compliant solutions. These solutions are used by Kaiko Indices to conduct its independent quarterly assessment of spot cryptocurrency exchanges, ranking them based on various factors, including liquidity. Here’s a breakdown of why Kraken was ranked the #2 global exchange by Kaiko. Consistently excellent and only getting better From day one, Kraken has been built with a clear purpose: To accelerate the global adoption of cryptocurrency while raising the bar for trust, reliability and service in the industry. Being recognized as Kaiko’s #2 global exchange is a validation of that mission. But this isn’t a victory lap. It’s a milestone on a much longer journey. What distinguishes Kraken isn’t just one strength, it’s many, including our product performance, risk management and client-first culture. Let’s take a closer look at how our values align with the criteria Kaiko evaluates: Market quality: Deep liquidity, tight spreads, real volume In the category of market quality, Kaiko assesses how exchanges support price discovery, reduce slippage and maintain liquid books across pairs and time zones. At Kraken, we’ve built one of the deepest and most stable liquidity pools in crypto. Our professional-grade infrastructure handles billions of dollars in daily volume, with ultra-fast execution and minimal downtime. We support advanced order types and provide deep books across spot, margin and derivatives markets – all while maintaining consistently tight spreads and low latency. Clients, from retail traders to institutions, rely on Kraken because we provide true market depth (not inflated metrics). Our volume is real, our spreads are competitive and our uptime is world-class. Security and compliance: Always ahead of the curve We have long set the benchmark for security and compliance in crypto, in large part because of our multiple, global-market licenses and registrations, our strong operational track record and our continued investment in compliance and client protection. Kaiko’s ranking incorporates both regulatory posture and security controls. We treat regulation as a path to legitimacy, not a burden. We’re registered in multiple major jurisdictions, including the U.S., U.K., EU, Canada, Australia and beyond. Our client fund safeguards, storage protocols and regular penetration testing ensure we meet (and often exceed) institutional security expectations. This is why Kraken is trusted by governments, hedge funds, asset managers and high-volume traders worldwide. Transparency: Clear data, real metrics, honest communication Kaiko also weighs data openness and transparency – values that are woven into Kraken’s DNA. We publish real-time market data, historical feeds, proof of reserves attestations, and clear API access across all products. Where others may obscure volume, mislead with synthetic metrics, or delay disclosures, Kraken believes in openness by default. We back our claims with verifiable facts – and in crypto, that’s everything. We’re also one of the first major exchanges to support regular third-party audits, enabling clients to independently verify that their assets are backed 1:1. Transparency isn’t just a feature. It’s a responsibility we’ve embraced from day one. Momentum that matters While we’re honored to hold the #2 position globally, what excites us most is the direction we’re heading. In Q4 of 2024, Kraken was in the top five. In Q1 2025, we moved up to #3. Now, in Q2, we’ve risen again –  and we’re not slowing down. That kind of sustained momentum is only possible because of the Kraken team’s unwavering focus on:

• Client-first innovation, from intuitive UX to advanced trading features
  
• Resilience and security at every layer of the stack
  
• Global expansion with regulatory alignment
  
• Open and honest engagement with our users and the broader ecosystem
  

We’re thrilled to announce that SOGNI is available for trading on Kraken! Funding and trading SOGNI trading is live as of Wednesday, July 2, 2025. To add an asset to your Kraken account, navigate to Funding, select the asset you’re after, and hit ‘Deposit’.  Make sure to deposit your tokens into networks supported by Kraken. Deposits made using other networks will be lost. Trade on Kraken Here’s some more information about this asset: SOGNI AI Sogni AI is a decentralized platform for creative AI and GPU rendering, powered by the SOGNI token. Built for artists, developers and GPU providers, it enables users to generate visuals and videos, contribute computing power and earn rewards. With a focus on accessibility, privacy and ownership, Sogni AI blends powerful tools with a community-first approach to make decentralized AI creation open to all. Please note:  

• Trading via Kraken App and Instant Buy will be available once the liquidity conditions are met (when a sufficient number of buyers and sellers have entered the market for their orders to be efficiently matched).
• Geographic restrictions may apply

We’re thrilled to announce that PEAQ is available for trading on Kraken! Funding and trading PEAQ trading is live as of Wednesday, July 2, 2025. To add an asset to your Kraken account, navigate to Funding, select the asset you’re after, and hit ‘Deposit’.  Make sure to deposit your tokens into networks supported by Kraken. Deposits made using other networks will be lost. Trade on Kraken Here’s some more information about this asset: PEAQ Peaq (PEAQ) is a Layer 1 blockchain built to support the machine economy. The protocol is designed to power decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs) and enable interactions with real-world assets such as devices, robots and vehicles. Please note:  

• Trading via Kraken App and Instant Buy will be available once the liquidity conditions are met (when a sufficient number of buyers and sellers have entered the market for their orders to be efficiently matched).
• Geographic restrictions may apply

We’re thrilled to announce that SWEAT is available for trading on Kraken! Funding and trading SWEAT trading is live as of Wednesday, July 2, 2025. To add an asset to your Kraken account, navigate to Funding, select the asset you’re after, and hit ‘Deposit’.  Make sure to deposit your tokens into networks supported by Kraken. Deposits made using other networks will be lost. Trade on Kraken Here’s some more information about this asset: SWEAT Sweat (SWEAT) is a move-to-earn project built on top of the Sweatcoin platform, which has operated since 2016 and reached over 110 million downloads. The project introduces the SWEAT token to bring physical activity incentives onto the blockchain. Users earn SWEAT by walking and can use the token for staking, participating in NFT-based experiences and accessing partner offers within a Web3 environment. Please note:  

• Trading via Kraken App and Instant Buy will be available once the liquidity conditions are met (when a sufficient number of buyers and sellers have entered the market for their orders to be efficiently matched).
• Geographic restrictions may apply

We’re thrilled to announce that MemeCore (M) will be available for trading on Kraken! Funding and trading M trading is now live as of Thursday, July 03. To add an asset to your Kraken account, navigate to Funding, select the asset you’re after, and hit ‘Deposit’.  Make sure to deposit your tokens into networks supported by Kraken. Deposits made using other networks will be lost. Trade on Kraken Here’s some more information about this asset: M MemeCore (M) is a Layer 1 blockchain purpose-built for the Meme 2.0 movement, where memes evolve from internet culture into economic and governance primitives. Designed to support the creation and monetization of community-driven tokens, MemeCore enables users to launch, earn, and build in a decentralized environment where culture and capital intersect. With M as its native token, the protocol aims to structure the viral meme economy and turn digital expression into an onchain ecosystem. Please note:  

• Trading via Kraken App and Instant Buy will be available once the liquidity conditions are met (when a sufficient number of buyers and sellers have entered the market for their orders to be efficiently matched).
• Geographic restrictions may apply

We’re thrilled to announce that MERL is available for trading on Kraken! Funding and trading MERL trading is now live as of Thursday, July 3, 2025. To add an asset to your Kraken account, navigate to Funding, select the asset you’re after, and hit ‘Deposit’.  Make sure to deposit your tokens into networks supported by Kraken. Deposits made using other networks will be lost. Trade on Kraken Here’s some more information about this asset: Merlin Chain (MERL) Merlin Chain (MERL) is a Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin designed to extend the capabilities of the Bitcoin ecosystem. The protocol integrates technologies such as ZK-Rollups, decentralized oracle networks and fraud proofs to support scalability and utility. By enabling native Bitcoin assets and protocols to operate on Layer 2, Merlin Chain aims to facilitate broader application development and increase the functionality of Bitcoin Layer 1 infrastructure. Please note:  

• Trading via Kraken App and Instant Buy will be available once the liquidity conditions are met (when a sufficient number of buyers and sellers have entered the market for their orders to be efficiently matched).
• Geographic restrictions may apply

We’re thrilled to announce that ICNT is available for trading on Kraken! Funding and trading ICNT trading is now live as of Thursday, July 3, 2025. To add an asset to your Kraken account, navigate to Funding, select the asset you’re after, and hit ‘Deposit’.  Make sure to deposit your tokens into networks supported by Kraken. Deposits made using other networks will be lost. Trade on Kraken Here’s some more information about this asset: Impossible Cloud Network (ICNT) Impossible Cloud Network (ICNT) is a decentralized infrastructure protocol offering enterprise-grade cloud services across storage, compute, and networking. As a multi-service DePIN platform, it connects hardware providers and service consumers through a distributed network secured by the native ICNT token. ICNT serves as collateral for node operators, a means of payment for services and a staking asset for governance and participation. Please note:  

• Trading via Kraken App and Instant Buy will be available once the liquidity conditions are met (when a sufficient number of buyers and sellers have entered the market for their orders to be efficiently matched).
• Geographic restrictions may apply

We’re thrilled to announce that Kraken now supports deposits and withdrawals of USD Coin (USDC) on Sonic! Funding USDC funding via Sonic is already live. You can transfer USDC to your Kraken account by navigating to Funding, selecting USDC and choosing the desired deposit method (network) from the drop-down box: Sonic. Make sure to deposit your tokens into networks supported by Kraken. Deposits made using other networks will be lost. Trade on Kraken Here’s some more information about these assets: USDC (USDC) USDC offers a digital bridge between the traditional and decentralized financial ecosystems. USDC aims to offer the stability of the U.S. dollar with the speed and accessibility of digital currency. Like a trusted currency exchange booth in the digital realm, USDC aims to provide a one-to-one conversion between traditional and digital dollars. Sonic (S) Sonic is a high-speed, EVM-compatible, Layer 1 blockchain designed to deliver fast, secure and decentralized performance. As the evolution of Fantom, Sonic aims to solve the blockchain trilemma with sub-second finality and high throughput. With built-in Ethereum interoperability and a versatile native token (S) used for staking, governance and fees, Sonic offers a streamlined foundation for scalable, next-generation decentralized applications. Please note:  

• Trading via Kraken App and Instant Buy will be available once the liquidity conditions are met (when a sufficient number of buyers and sellers have entered the market for their orders to be efficiently matched).
• Geographic restrictions may apply

Crypto exchange Kraken has officially received its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) licence from the Central Bank of Ireland, making it one of the first major platforms to gain full approval under the European Union’s new digital asset framework. This licence allows Kraken to offer its services across all 30 countries in the European Economic Area from a single regulatory base. Source: Shutterstock The approval represents a turning point not just for Kraken but for how crypto companies will operate across Europe going forward. Instead of dealing with a patchwork of national rules, the exchange now gets a single, unified path forward. What This Means for Kraken’s Business in Europe With the licence in hand, Kraken can now offer a wide range of services to both individual and institutional clients across the region. That includes crypto trading, custody, payment services, portfolio management, and derivatives. The licence also allows the firm to issue stablecoins, provided they meet MiCA requirements. Kraken is now MiCA licensed Greenlit by the Central Bank of Ireland, we're cleared to operate across all 30 EEA states. License secured. EU expansion unlocked. Let’s build https://t.co/nrYYVmJueU pic.twitter.com/IV6Bz1wHeJ — Kraken Exchange (@krakenfx) June 25, 2025 Until now, Kraken had been operating under several local registrations in countries like France, Italy, and Spain. Those arrangements worked but came with limitations. MiCA was designed to solve that, and Kraken’s Irish licence is the first real test of how well that system works in practice. DISCOVER: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in June2025 Ireland’s Role as a Crypto Gateway Ireland was not chosen at random. Kraken already operates an electronic money business there, which gives it the ability to offer euro payment services and fiat on-ramps. The country has a strong fintech presence and a reputation for consistent, transparent regulation. That combination made it a natural home base for Kraken’s broader European operations. BitcoinPriceMarket CapBTC$2.13T24h7d30d1yAll time The Central Bank of Ireland has been careful about who it approves, and this licence came only after what Kraken described as an in-depth review. With this milestone, Ireland joins the shortlist of countries positioning themselves as key crypto hubs under MiCA, alongside places like Luxembourg, France, and Malta. DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 MiCA Is Reshaping the Crypto Map The MiCA framework went fully live in December 2024 and aims to provide Europe with a single rulebook for digital asset companies. Before that, crypto businesses had to navigate a mix of national laws that often overlapped or conflicted. Now, once a company gains approval in one country, it can operate throughout the EU without repeating the same process again and again. That is a big step forward for companies like Kraken, which are trying to scale their services across borders. MiCA also sets out rules for consumer protection, reserve requirements for stablecoins, and transparency for asset custody. The goal is to bring crypto closer to the standards seen in traditional finance, while still leaving space for innovation. What Comes Next Kraken’s MiCA licence opens the door to bigger moves in Europe. The company expects to expand its product lineup, roll out new services in more countries. It may also bring more institutions onto its platform. It is also setting a precedent. With several other exchanges applying for licences under the same framework, Kraken’s approval could help define how future applications are handled. For now, the message is clear: MiCA is no longer just policy on paper; it is the rulebook the industry is starting to follow. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025  Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates Key Takeaways

Bitcoin Magazine

Kraken Secures MiCA License To Offer Bitcoin And Crypto In Europe Today, Kraken has announced it has secured a license under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) from the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). Kraken is now MiCA licensed

Greenlit by the Central Bank of Ireland, we're cleared to operate across all 30 EEA states.

License secured. EU expansion unlocked.

Let’s build https://t.co/nrYYVmJueU pic.twitter.com/IV6Bz1wHeJ— Kraken Exchange (@krakenfx) June 25, 2025 The license allows Kraken to expand its regulated services across all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) member states, allowing them to scale faster across the region. “Securing a license from the Central Bank of Ireland, with its long heritage and experience as a rigorous financial regulator, isn’t just about compliance. It’s a powerful signal of Kraken’s commitment to expanding the crypto ecosystem through responsible innovation,” said the co-CEO of Kraken Arjun Sethi. Kraken holds Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registrations in several European countries, including Ireland, Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain. It launched the first BTC/EUR trading pair in 2013 and has since maintained a significant presence in euro-denominated bitcoin and crypto markets. “Being the first major global crypto platform to receive authorization from the CBI affirms Kraken’s commitment to building for the long term,” stated Sethi. “We believe trust is the most valuable currency in crypto, and it’s something you earn. Over the past several years, our team has worked tirelessly to meet the CBI’s gold standard regulatory expectations. This license reflects that effort and places us in a strong position to expand our product offering, grow our institutional and retail client base and deliver secure, accessible and fully regulated crypto services to millions more people across the EU.” Kraken can now offer fully regulated bitcoin and crypto services EU-wide. These licenses open opportunities in spot trading, derivatives, and payments, reinforcing Kraken’s long-term commitment to transparency, and regulatory alignment. “We’re deeply grateful to the Central Bank of Ireland for its professionalism, and to the Irish Government and IDA for their consistent support,” said Sethi. “This collaboration is a blueprint for how public and private sectors can work together to build a more secure, innovative financial future for Europe, and we’re proud to be leading the way.” This post Kraken Secures MiCA License To Offer Bitcoin And Crypto In Europe first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.