From BitMEX to Main Street: Kraken Brings Crypto’s Signature Derivative to Retail

Kraken is mainstreaming a trading instrument forged in crypto’s early, volatile days: the perpetual future. First introduced by BitMEX in 2016 to suit digital assets’ non-stop trading cycles, “perps” have become a cornerstone of crypto markets.

Now, Kraken is offering these contracts—which allow indefinite, leveraged bets on price direction without an expiration date—to its everyday investors.

Dubbed “Kraken Perps,” the launch marks a significant step in the product’s evolution from a niche tool for professional traders to a accessible offering for retail. This expansion underscores Kraken’s growth ambitions as it gears up for a reported public listing in 2026.