Kraken: availability and regulation
Kraken is a United States based exchange founded in 2011 that is available in a broad range of markets. It serves the European Economic Area under a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) licence authorised in Ireland and operates in the United States as a registered money services business. Availability and products vary by country.
Information, not advice. This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify the current rules with a qualified local professional and the official regulator before acting.
Kraken is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011 and operated by Payward, Inc. from the United States. As of January 2026 it is available to residents of many countries, including the United States, and it serves clients across the European Economic Area under a Markets in Crypto Assets licence authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland. Availability, products, and registrations vary by country, so check what applies where you live.
What Kraken is
Kraken is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011 and operated by the Payward group of companies. It offers spot trading, a wide set of crypto assets, staking in some markets, and additional products such as derivatives and futures where it holds the right authorisation. It is one of the longest established exchanges still operating.
The platform is custodial, which means Kraken holds the assets in your account on your behalf rather than handing you the private keys. Funding methods, supported assets, and features differ from one country to another, and some products such as derivatives are offered only where Kraken holds the right authorisation or are restricted entirely.
Fees are charged on a tiered maker and taker basis, with the lowest tiers on its professional trading interface. Exact pricing and the product mix change over time, so confirm the current schedule and what is offered to your country on the platform before trading.
Registrations and regulatory position
- European Economic Area. Kraken serves clients across the European Economic Area under a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) authorisation held through an entity authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland, and it has said it operates across all thirty European Economic Area countries on that basis (as of January 2026).
- United States. Kraken operates in the United States through Payward, Inc., which is registered as a money services business with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and holds money transmitter licences in numerous states (as of January 2026).
- United Kingdom. Kraken is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for anti money laundering purposes and operates under the FCA financial promotions regime (as of January 2026).
- Other markets. Kraken holds registrations and authorisations in further markets, including in Australia and Canada, and the set changes over time. Confirm a specific country with the named regulator (as of January 2026).
Each registration is stated as of 21 June 2026. Licences, registrations, and the position under each framework change. Confirm the current status on the regulator register and with the platform before acting.
Where Kraken is available
As of January 2026 Kraken is available to residents of many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Economic Area, Australia, and a range of markets across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The exact set of products offered, from spot trading to staking and futures, varies by country and by local authorisation.
Some jurisdictions are restricted, including those subject to international sanctions, and certain products are limited in particular markets. Because availability and the product mix vary by country, the country pages on this site track the position market by market.
Kraken is available in many countries, including the United States, but it is one of several platforms and availability depends on where you live. Compare the exchanges that are genuinely available in your country before you choose.
Regulator and sources
The relevant regulators differ by market: the Central Bank of Ireland for the Markets in Crypto Assets authorisation that covers the European Economic Area, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, and United States authorities including the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and state regulators.
- Kraken, public information on where it is licensed or regulated.
- Central Bank of Ireland, register of authorised crypto asset service providers.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), United Kingdom, register of registered cryptoasset firms.
- Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), United States, money services business registration.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kraken legal to use?
In many countries Kraken is a registered provider rather than a banned service, and as of January 2026 it serves the European Economic Area under a Markets in Crypto Assets licence authorised in Ireland, is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, and operates as a money services business in the United States. Check your local rules.
Is Kraken available in the United States?
Yes. As of January 2026 Kraken is available to United States residents through Payward, Inc., which is registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and holds state money transmitter licences. Some products can differ by state, so confirm the current position before acting.
Does Kraken hold a MiCA licence?
Yes. As of January 2026 Kraken serves clients across the European Economic Area under a Markets in Crypto Assets authorisation held through an entity authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland. Confirm the current scope with Kraken and the regulator before acting.
Does Kraken hold my crypto for me?
Yes. Kraken is a custodial platform, so it holds the assets in your account on your behalf. If you prefer to control your own private keys you would need a separate self custody wallet. This is general information, not advice.
Where can I check Kraken registrations directly?
Kraken publishes a page on where it is licensed or regulated, and each named regulator keeps a public register, such as the Central Bank of Ireland and the FCA in the United Kingdom. Those primary sources are the most current way to confirm the position before acting.
Rules change frequently. Exchange availability, registrations, and the rules that govern them can change at short notice and vary by region, and the products offered can differ by state and by country. The position on this page is dated 21 June 2026. Confirm the current status with the named regulator and the platform before you act.
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