Kraken Perps: Perpetual Futures with Retail Risk Controls
Kraken Perps has launched in Kraken’s main app, giving qualified retail traders 24/7 access to crypto futures trading through perpetual contracts. This new feature lets users take long or short positions on assets like Bitcoin without owning the underlying asset and adjust position sizes at any time. Trades can be collateralized using Kraken USD balances, with plans for additional collateral options. Kraken Perps integrates advanced risk management tools—customizable stop-loss orders, margin alerts and easy mobile execution—to help retail traders limit losses in volatile markets. The platform also provides educational resources on perps mechanics and responsible trading. Launched amid record perpetual contract volume of $515 billion in August 2025, Kraken Perps aligns with Kraken’s broader strategy to expand its crypto derivatives suite ahead of a possible 2026 IPO. Future rollouts will cover more compliant jurisdictions as Kraken continues to innovate, including recent launches of tokenized stocks in the EU, its Breakout acquisition and the incubation of the INK Layer 2 network.
Bullish
By opening perpetual futures trading to retail traders, Kraken Perps is set to boost liquidity and trading volume for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Enhanced risk management tools and educational resources lower entry barriers, encouraging wider participation. In the short term, increased retail flow may drive price momentum. Over the long term, sustained growth in crypto futures markets and technical improvements—such as new collateral options and Layer 2 solutions—reinforce market stability and investor confidence, supporting a bullish outlook.