Kraken Secures Restricted Dealer Status in Canada, Expands Crypto Services

Kraken, one of the leading global cryptocurrency exchanges, has officially registered as a restricted dealer in Canada. This move enables the platform to continue offering crypto trading services to Canadian users under the country’s evolving regulatory landscape.

The registration, confirmed this week, marks the culmination of a multi-year effort by Kraken to meet stringent compliance standards set by Canadian regulators, including the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). During this pre-registration process, Kraken enhanced its investor protection protocols and internal governance systems.

To spearhead its growth in the region, Kraken appointed Cynthia Del Pozo as general manager for North America. With a strong background in fintech and operations, Del Pozo will lead strategy, regulatory relations, and business development across Canada and the U.S.

“Canada is at a turning point for crypto adoption,” Del Pozo stated, referencing increasing interest from both retail and institutional investors. A recent Kraken-commissioned survey found that 30% of Canadian investors currently hold crypto assets, highlighting a growing appetite for digital currencies in the region.

Kraken also introduced free Interac e-Transfer deposits for Canadian users, aiming to simplify onboarding and reduce entry barriers for new traders. The exchange reported doubling its Canadian team and user base over the past two years, now managing over CAD 2 billion in client assets.

Mayur Gupta, Kraken’s chief marketing officer and general manager of growth, will represent the exchange at CoinDesk’s Consensus 2025 conference in Toronto, scheduled for May 14–15.

As Canada tightens crypto regulations, Kraken’s proactive compliance and localized strategies position it as a key player in the country’s digital asset market.