Key Takeaways
Kraken introduced U.S.-regulated spot margin trading for eligible U.S. clients on Kraken Pro.Traders can use approved crypto assets with up to 10x leverage and collateral controls.Additional products may follow as Payward expands regulated trading across related platforms.
Kraken Expands Regulated Trading Access
Crypto exchange Kraken has expanded its U.S. trading offering by introducing crypto spot margin trading under U.S. regulatory oversight for eligible clients on Kraken Pro. The launch, announced May 6, gives users access to margin trading through Kraken Derivatives US without requiring accredited investor status.
The new service allows qualifying U.S. traders to open leveraged long or short positions on supported crypto assets while using existing holdings as collateral. According to the company, the product is designed to give domestic users access to advanced trading tools within a regulated U.S. framework. The rollout follows Payward’s acquisition of Bitnomial, a U.S.-regulated derivatives exchange, broker, and clearinghouse. Bitnomial’s regulatory structure provides the foundation for Payward to introduce additional products across Kraken, NinjaTrader, and related platforms.
Darius Tabatabai, Head of Kraken Pro, said:
“For too long, US traders have been excluded from accessing this functionality in a regulated environment.”
Margin Product Adds Risk Tools
Through Kraken Pro, eligible clients can trade with as much as 10x leverage on approved crypto assets. The platform also displays key risk information, including liquidation levels, borrowing costs, and available margin. Traders can assign collateral to individual positions, which helps limit exposure to the funds committed to that specific trade rather than the full account balance.
The rollout reflects a broader effort to expand professional-grade crypto services for U.S. traders within compliant market structures. The company already offers spot market access, advanced order types and futures connectivity through NinjaTrader. Margin trading adds another tool for active traders seeking greater capital efficiency and more flexible strategies.
Users can also access 24-hour stop-loss functionality to manage exposure continuously across eligible markets. Kraken said availability depends on user eligibility, product limitations and required risk disclosures. Tabatabai added:
“This launch brings a critical piece of market structure onshore in a way that prioritizes transparency, risk management, and regulatory compliance.”
The service is provided by Ninjatrader Clearing LLC, doing business as Kraken Derivatives US. The entity is registered with the CFTC as a Futures Commission Merchant and is a member of the National Futures Association. Financing is provided by Payward Accredited LLC.
