Kraken Unveils Access to 7,000 U.S. Stocks for European Crypto Users

Quick Overview

• Kraken introduced zero-commission access to more than 7,000 U.S. equities for users in the European Economic Area
• The platform becomes the first crypto exchange to combine conventional stocks and tokenized securities within a single regulated framework
• Over 700 xStocks—tokenized equities with 1:1 backing by actual shares—are available for trading beyond standard market hours
• Major competitors including Coinbase, Binance, Crypto.com and Robinhood are similarly moving into European stock markets
• Tokenized equity markets reached approximately $1.4 billion in valuation by May, catching SEC regulatory interest

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On August 18, Kraken announced the availability of commission-free trading for over 7,000 U.S.-listed equities to qualified users throughout the European Economic Area.

The service is accessible via Kraken Pro across both desktop and mobile platforms, in addition to the main Kraken application. Though trading commissions have been eliminated, certain fees and regional limitations remain in effect.

Kraken provides access to conventional shares alongside xStocks—blockchain-based representations of U.S. securities with full backing from real underlying equities. Users can access more than 700 xStocks and over 600 digital assets through the same unified account.

According to the platform, this represents the first instance of a crypto-focused exchange delivering both standard equities and their tokenized counterparts simultaneously within one regulated environment.

Mark Greenberg, who serves as chief commercial officer at Kraken’s parent entity Payward, stated the initiative “eliminates the artificial divide between traditional and tokenized formats of the same asset.”

Understanding the Distinction Between xStocks and Traditional Equities

Conventional shares operate within established market hours, follow traditional settlement procedures, and include standard shareholder rights. xStocks function as blockchain-based tokens enabling transfers to personal custody wallets and facilitating transactions during off-market periods.

Kraken additionally intends to tokenize portions connected to upcoming initial public offerings. Qualified users may submit preliminary expressions of interest, with tokenization occurring after trading commences.

Stock trading functionality operates through Payward Europe Digital Solutions, a Cyprus-based investment firm authorized under MiFID licensing. This structure maintains separation between securities offerings and Kraken’s cryptocurrency operations in compliance with Europe’s MiCA regulations.

Rising Competition Throughout the Sector

Kraken isn’t operating in isolation. Coinbase has secured U.K. regulatory clearance to provide equities and derivatives together with cryptocurrency products. The exchange already grants U.S. users access to over 8,000 stocks and ETFs via a distinct brokerage division.

Coinbase is also developing tokenized U.S. equities for international customers, fully backed by genuine shares, featuring automated dividend distributions and blockchain-based settlement.

Binance provides access to more than 7,000 U.S. stocks and ETFs for qualified international users and is developing bStocks, its proprietary tokenized equity offering.

Crypto.com and Robinhood have introduced tokenized stock products in European markets. Bitpanda has adopted an alternative strategy, providing standard U.S. equities instead of tokenized alternatives.

This expansion reflects customer preferences. Keith Grose, Coinbase’s U.K. CEO, noted that customers prefer consolidating their financial activities across fewer platforms.

The tokenized securities market achieved a valuation of roughly $1.4 billion in May. As the sector expands, the SEC is investigating potential frameworks for blockchain-enabled equity trading.

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Source: https://blockonomi.com/kraken-unveils-access-to-7000-u-s-stocks-for-european-crypto-users/