Home Kraken Introduces Cyber & Velodrome Trading, Expands with MiFID License, US Staking & Kraken Pay

Kraken Introduces Cyber & Velodrome Trading, Expands with MiFID License, US Staking & Kraken Pay

Kraken, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced a major trading expansion, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier platform for traders worldwide. As part of the Kraken trading expansion plan, the exchange has introduced Cyber (CYBER) and Velodrome (VELO) trading pairs, secured a MiFID license in the EU, and launched staking for US traders. Furthermore, Kraken Pay crypto payments have been launched as an efficient and seamless solution for digital transactions.

This expansion showcases Kraken’s commitment to innovation and regulatory compliance while enhancing user experience with new crypto listings and financial services. As of 2025, Kraken serves over 9 million users across 190+ countries, supports over 220 cryptocurrencies, and continues to challenge industry leaders like Coinbase and Binance in the crypto trading space.

Cyber (CYBER) & Velodrome (VELO) Now Tradable on Kraken

Kraken has expanded its crypto trading offerings by listing Cyber (CYBER) and Velodrome (VELO). These additions cater to the growing demand for AI-driven indexing protocols and liquidity incentives in DeFi markets.

  • Cyber (CYBER): Cyber is a decentralized AI-powered indexing protocol designed to enhance blockchain search capabilities. It allows users to efficiently retrieve on-chain data through a decentralized search engine.
  • Velodrome (VELO): Velodrome is a liquidity incentive platform that functions as an automated market maker (AMM) and decentralized exchange (DEX). It plays a critical role in the Optimism ecosystem by rewarding users for providing liquidity to DeFi pools.

Kraken offers multiple trading pairs for both assets, allowing traders to engage with highly liquid markets and diversify their portfolios with these innovative digital assets. Thus, these new Kraken crypto listings solidify this platform’s role as a premier exchange.

What Does Kraken’s MiFID License Mean for Traders?

Kraken has strengthened its regulatory compliance by obtaining a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license in the European Union (EU). This approval marks a significant step for Kraken trading expansion, ensuring greater transparency, security, and compliance for European traders.

Why is the MiFID License Important?

  • The MiFID license allows Kraken to offer regulated investment services across the EU, boosting its credibility.
  • It enhances investor protection, ensuring that traders on Kraken benefit from secure and transparent financial operations.
  • European users can now access a wider range of financial instruments, such as Kraken futures and staking, crypto derivatives, and advanced trading options.

With this new licensing milestone, Kraken vs Coinbase vs Binance debates now consider Kraken’s regulatory edge, making it a preferred exchange for European traders looking for a compliant and secure platform.

Kraken Introduces Crypto Staking for US-Based Traders

Despite regulatory hurdles, Kraken staking in the USA is now available, allowing US traders to earn rewards on their crypto holdings. 

Key Highlights of Kraken’s US Staking Program:

  • Supports multiple cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Polkadot (DOT).
  • It offers a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), making it an attractive option for passive income seekers.
  • Complies with US regulations, ensuring a safe and legally compliant staking environment.

As regulatory frameworks evolve, crypto staking with Kraken offers a secure and rewarding experience, reinforcing Kraken’s reputation as a top choice for traders in the US.

Is Kraken Pay A Game-Changer for Crypto Payments? 

Kraken has made a significant move into the crypto payments space with the introduction of Kraken Pay, a seamless and efficient payment solution designed to facilitate digital transactions. 

Kraken Pay

One of Kraken Pay’s standout features is its broad support for multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USDT. By enabling fast and low-cost transactions, Kraken Pay ensures that users can make payments without the high fees typically associated with traditional financial systems. Additionally, it integrates fiat support, making it more accessible for users who need a bridge between digital and conventional currencies.

Kraken Pay also stands out as a strong competitor to Coinbase Commerce, offering lower transaction fees and improved accessibility. This positions it as an attractive alternative for businesses looking for a more cost-effective way to accept crypto payments. 

With a focus on security and user experience, Kraken Pay simplifies digital transactions, reinforcing Kraken’s reputation as a leader in the evolving crypto payments industry.

Why Kraken is a Leading Crypto Exchange

Kraken remains a preferred choice for crypto traders due to its security, diverse trading options, and user-friendly experience.

Security & Compliance

Kraken is licensed in multiple jurisdictions, including the EU, UK, and USA, ensuring adherence to strict regulatory standards. The platform implements bank-grade security measures, including cold storage for funds, 2FA, and encrypted transactions, making it one of the most secure exchanges for traders.

Diverse Trading Options

Kraken offers a comprehensive trading ecosystem, including spot trading, futures trading, margin trading, staking, and crypto payments. With over 220 supported cryptocurrencies, traders have access to advanced tools, leverage options, and automated trading strategies.

User-Friendly Experience

Kraken provides an intuitive interface across its web platform and mobile app, ensuring seamless navigation for users of all experience levels. The platform also offers 24/7 customer support to enhance the trading experience.

How to Start Trading on Kraken in 5 Easy Steps

For new users, setting up an account on Kraken is a straightforward process. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Create an Account

Visit Kraken’s official website and click on “Sign Up.” Provide your email address, username, and a strong password. Ensure that the email used is valid, as you’ll receive a verification link. After confirming your email, proceed to log in and begin setting up your profile.

Kraken sign-up

Step 2: Secure Your Account

Kraken prioritizes security, so enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is highly recommended. To add an extra layer of protection, you can set up 2FA using an authentication app like Google Authenticator.

Setting 2FA security on Kraken account.

Additionally, Kraken offers security features such as Global Settings Lock (GSL) and Master Key, which prevent unauthorized changes to your account settings.

Step 3: Verify the Account

To unlock full trading capabilities, users must complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process. Kraken offers different verification levels: Starter, Intermediate, and Pro. The higher your verification level, the more features you unlock, such as higher withdrawal limits, futures trading, and margin trading.

Verify your Kraken account.

Verification requires submitting a government-issued ID, proof of residence, and a selfie for identity verification.

Step 4: Deposit Funds

Once verified, you can fund your account using various payment methods, including crypto deposits from external wallets and fiat deposits via bank transfers, SWIFT, SEPA, and wire transfers.

Deposit funds into Kraken account

Some fiat deposit methods may have processing times and fees, so it’s best to check Kraken’s funding options before proceeding.

Step 5: Buy & Sell Crypto

After funding your account, you can navigate to the “Trade” section, select your preferred trading pair (e.g., BTC/USD or ETH/EUR), and execute market or limit orders.

Buy crypto on Kraken

Kraken also offers advanced trading tools, staking options, and futures contracts, making it a comprehensive platform for both beginners and experienced traders.

How to Trade Cryptos with Margin on Kraken

  • Verify your account to Intermediate or Pro level to access margin trading.
  • Navigate to the margin trading section within your Kraken dashboard.
  • Select your desired asset and leverage level, and start margin trading on Krane.

Execute margin trades with caution, as leveraged trading amplifies both gains and losses.

How to Trade Futures on Kraken Futures

  • Access Kraken Futures by selecting the Futures tab in your account dashboard.
  • Fund your futures wallet before placing any trades.
  • Choose from perpetual or quarterly contracts to suit your trading strategy.
  • Apply leverage, execute long or short positions, and start trading.

For better risk management, monitor market movements closely and set stop-loss orders.

How to Download Kraken’s Mobile App

  • Visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search for Kraken.
  • Download and install the Kraken mobile app on your device.
  • Log in using your existing credentials or create a new account.
  • Access spot trading, margin trading, futures, and begin trading.

Conclusion

With its latest expansion, crypto trading with Kraken now features multiple facets, such as new asset listings, regulatory approvals, staking opportunities, and payment solutions. With high-security standards, competitive trading features, and seamless user experiences, Kraken remains one of the best choices for crypto traders worldwide.

For those looking to explore Kraken’s new features, now is the perfect time to join and experience the latest advancements in crypto trading.

FAQs

Is Kraken a good crypto exchange?

Does Kraken hold a MiFID license for EU operations?

Is crypto staking available for Kraken users in the United States?

Can traders buy and sell Cyber on Kraken?

Is Velodrome listed on Kraken?

References

  1. Kraken Unveils Cyber and Velodrome: Revolutionizing Crypto Trading (AInvest)
  2. Kraken secures EU MiFID license, enabling launch of regulated derivatives offering (Kraken Blog)
  3. What is cryptocurrency staking? (Britannica Money)

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Elliott Lee
Crypto Journalist

Elliott is a British cryptocurrency journalist and copywriter. Having spent recent years immersed in crypto, he now covers the most impactful cryptocurrency trends, writing for outlets like Techopedia, Crypto News and Business2Community. He looks for projects with long-term visions and is a huge believer that blockchain technology can solve the world's most pressing issues.

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