Does Kraken have a MiCA licence?
✓ Authorised · MiCA CASPYes. Kraken (legal entity Payward Global Solutions Limited) holds a MiCA crypto-asset service provider (CASP) authorisation — regulated by Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) in Ireland, listed in the official ESMA register. Through MiCA passporting it may legally serve clients across the EU/EEA (30 countries).
Licensed crypto services (1)
Where you can use Kraken · EU/EEA passporting (30)
A MiCA authorisation passports across the whole EU/EEA, so Kraken may legally serve clients in:
Kraken holds a solid mid-tier standing (3.8/5, 60K+ ratings) bolstered by recent institutional product launches—USD-settled options and yield vaults—that dominate positive coverage. However, sentiment momentum is softening: the NeoBase index fell 4.2 points to 65/100 week-over-week, suggesting growing friction beneath headline optimism. Product innovation is clearly resonating with traders, but customer experience or regulatory concerns may be tempering broader perception gains.
Sentiment index
our score · updated weeklyRatings across platforms
★ 3.8 avg · 61K ratings · 2 platformsRating distribution
Trustpilot · Google PlayCompany responsiveness
In the media
brand coverageKraken Launches USD-Settled Crypto Options for Institutional Traders
www.financemagnates.com · 4d ago
Kraken has launched cash-settled, USD-denominated options on BTC and ETH with portfolio margin enabled by default, entering a segment of the...
Crypto.com valuation hits $20bn after investment from Citadel Securities
www.ft.com · 4d ago
Cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com notched a $20bn valuation following an investment by market-maker Citadel Securities, as traditional...
Kraken Brings Crypto Options to a Wider Trader Base as the Market Scales
www.businesswire.com · 4d ago
Kraken, one of the longest-standing, most liquid and secure cryptocurrency platforms, has launched a new suite of options contracts on...
Kraken bringing crypto options to a wider audience as the market scales
blog.kraken.com · 4d ago
Linear, USD-settled options on BTC and ETH mark the first phase of a long-term build as options activity in crypto is set to track toward...
www.theblock.co · 4d ago
Upshift will build dedicated vaults tailored to each client's specific investment strategy and risk considerations.
Latest from social
SampleTravelling this summer? Spend abroad with no hidden fees and real exchange rates.
Behind every feature is a team obsessed with the details. A look at how Kraken ships.
We're hiring across engineering, product and risk. Come build the future of finance with Kraken.
New in the Kraken app: a faster, cleaner way to manage your money. Update to the latest version to try it.
What people are saying
SampleKraken's customer service left me hanging on a frozen account. Not a great look.
Been using Kraken for 6 months now — the app just works. Transfers land instantly and support actually replies.
Anyone else having issues with Kraken verification today? Been stuck for hours 😤
If you're comparing neobanks in 2026, Kraken keeps coming up in every conversation I have.
Mixed feelings on Kraken lately — love the product, but the latest update changed a flow I relied on.
Company
Frequently asked questions
Does Kraken have a MiCA licence?
Yes. Kraken (legal entity Payward Global Solutions Limited) holds a MiCA crypto-asset service provider (CASP) authorisation, regulated by Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) in Ireland and listed in the official ESMA register.
Who regulates Kraken in the EU?
Kraken's EU activity is authorised and supervised by Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), its home national competent authority under MiCA.
Which crypto services is Kraken licensed for?
Under MiCA, Kraken is authorised for: Operation of a trading platform.
In which countries can I legally use Kraken?
A MiCA authorisation passports across the whole EU/EEA, so Kraken may legally serve clients in all 30 EU/EEA member states.
Is Kraken in the ESMA register?
Yes. Payward Global Solutions Limited appears in ESMA's official register of authorised MiCA crypto-asset service providers, recorded under Central Bank of Ireland (CBI).
Is a MiCA licence the same as a CASP licence?
Yes. MiCA (MiCAR) is the EU regulation; a CASP (crypto-asset service provider) is a firm it licenses. "MiCA register", "CASP register" and "ESMA register" all refer to the same official list.
What are the fees on Kraken?
Kraken spot: 0.16% taker / 0.26% maker for new users. At $50,000+ monthly volume, fees drop to 0.12%/0.20%. Futures: 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker. Kraken Pro offers an advanced interface with a full order book.
Has Kraken ever been hacked?
Kraken has operated since 2011 and is one of the few major exchanges never to have suffered a significant hack or customer fund loss. This security record is one of the primary reasons Kraken is considered one of the safest exchanges in the industry.
Does Kraken offer margin trading?
Yes, Kraken offers margin trading with up to 5x leverage on spot and up to 50x on Kraken Futures. Leveraged products are available only to verified users in eligible jurisdictions. US users have restricted access to futures contracts.
Does Kraken offer corporate accounts?
Yes, Kraken offers accounts for companies, funds and institutions with extended KYB (Know Your Business) verification. Corporate accounts have access to the OTC Desk, dedicated API access and higher transaction limits.
Ratings & sentiment aggregated from Trustpilot, Google Play and App Store — anonymised store metrics only, no individual reviews.