Kraken Nears $1.5B Acquisition of Futures Trading Platform NinjaTrader

Kraken, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, is reportedly finalizing a $1.5 billion deal to acquire U.S. futures trading platform NinjaTrader, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The acquisition, expected to be announced as soon as Thursday, would allow Kraken to expand beyond crypto and into the broader financial markets.

Sources familiar with the matter suggest that NinjaTrader will continue operating as a standalone platform under Kraken, maintaining its brand and services. This strategic move could help Kraken diversify its offerings and attract a larger user base interested in futures trading.

Neither Kraken nor NinjaTrader has responded to requests for comment. If completed, the acquisition would mark one of the largest moves by a crypto exchange into traditional finance, further blurring the lines between digital assets and conventional trading markets.