TL;DR
- US-listed stocks are now live across the European Economic Area (EEA), giving eligible Kraken customers access to over 7,000 US equities under a MiFID II authorization.
- Customers can hold traditional shares and xStocks side-by-side in a single regulated account, with no need to move capital between platforms or providers.
- xStocks are tokenized US equities backed 1:1 by underlying shares, transferable to self-custody wallets and tradable when public markets are closed.
- Trading is available on Kraken Pro desktop and mobile, and the Kraken mobile app, commission-free* for eligible EEA customers.
We’re excited to announce the launch of US-listed stocks across the European Economic Area (EEA) under its MiFID II authorization. Eligible customers can trade US equities in the EEA on mobile or on the web now.
With this launch, we become the only crypto-native platform offering European customers regulated access to both US stocks and tokenized versions of those same assets within a single, unified trading environment.
Our eligible EEA-based customers can now trade over 7,000 US stocks, alongside 600+ crypto assets, and more than 700+ xStocks (tokenized versions of US-listed equities that are fully collateralized and backed 1:1 by underlying shares).
Why access to US markets has been harder than it should be
In recent years, US capital markets have been home to many of the world’s most innovative companies, yet for investors outside the US, accessing these opportunities has often been complex, fragmented, and expensive. Building a diversified portfolio typically requires multiple platforms, moving funds between providers, and navigating inconsistent product availability.
While some brokers offer limited crypto exposure, none bring together a comprehensive suite of traditional US stocks and tokenized equivalents in a single experience. We are removing that friction by bringing everything into one place, simplifying access to global markets. Trading is available on the desktop and mobile versions of Kraken Pro, as well as the Kraken mobile app.
One asset class, multiple formats
“This launch eliminates the artificial divide between traditional and tokenized formats of the same asset. With US-listed stocks and xStocks available side-by-side in a single regulated account, customers can choose how they access the same underlying exposure (whether through traditional shares or tokenized representation) without moving capital or changing platforms,” said Mark Greenberg, Chief Commercial Officer of Payward and Head of Payward Services. “That’s what modern investing should look like: one asset class, multiple formats, fully integrated.”
This launch reflects our view that investing is becoming inherently multi-asset. Investors shouldn’t have to choose between infrastructures to access the same exposure to an asset. Our customers can now hold traditional shares, tokenized equivalents, or both, all within a single regulated environment without transferring capital or changing platforms.
Where xStocks fit in
xStocks extend this flexibility by combining the familiarity of stocks with the advantages of blockchain infrastructure. While traditional shares are limited by market hours and brokerage systems, tokenized equities can be transferred to self-custody wallets, integrated into onchain applications, and traded during hours where public markets are closed, all while maintaining full 1:1 backing.
Since launch, xStocks have surpassed $38 billion in total transaction volume, becoming the gold standard for tokenized equities in a market where global demand is seeking flexible access to capital markets.
Regulated access under MiFID II
The service is provided by Kraken’s European entity, Payward Europe Digital Solutions (CY) Limited, an authorized MiFID investment firm, that enables eligible customers to access US-listed stocks commission-free* within a regulated framework alongside digital assets.
Bridging two investing worlds
By integrating traditional shares and tokenized assets into one platform, Kraken bridges two investing worlds. Crypto-native investors can now access US equities without leaving a digital asset platform, while traditional investors can explore tokenized formats in a familiar, regulated environment, all with consistent underlying price exposure.
What comes next
Kraken plans to expand this integrated stocks offering into additional markets in the coming months, further advancing its vision of a globally accessible, multi-asset investing platform.
Trade US equities in the EEA on mobile or on the web now.
*Other fees may apply, including spreads and FX costs.
xStocks are issued by Backed Assets (JE) Limited (a Jersey private limited company) and offered to eligible Kraken customers via Payward Digital Solutions Ltd. (“PDSL”), a company licensed to conduct digital asset business by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. xStocks are not nor will be registered with any local securities regulators. PDSL (Kraken) does not provide investment advice and/or recommendations, and, no communication, through any Kraken App or website or otherwise, should be construed as such. Individual investors should make their own decisions or seek professional independent advice if they are unsure as to the suitability / appropriateness of any investment for their circumstances or needs, including potential tax treatment. Investing in xStocks involves an element of risk. The value of an investment may go down as well as up, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Not available in the US or to US persons. Geo restrictions apply. Read Kraken’s xStocks Risk Disclosure at https://kraken.com/legal/xstocks as well as the Base Prospectus and related Final Terms for xStocks at https://assets.backed.fi/legal-documentation to learn more.
Investment services, ancillary services and investment activities (the “Services”) in relation to financial instruments are provided and carried out by Payward Europe Digital Solutions (CY) Limited (ex I.F. Greenfields Wealth Ltd) (“PEDSL-CY”). PEDSL-CY is authorised and approved by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) for the provision of the Services. See Risk Disclosures here. PEDSL-CY is authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission with licence number 342/17. PEDSL-CY is registered in Cyprus with registered number HE 356603 and registered office at Athalassas, 62, MEZZANINE, Strovolos 2012, Nicosia, Cyprus.
These materials are for general information purposes only and are not investment or financial product advice or a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell financial instruments or to engage in any specific trading strategy. The unpredictable nature of derivatives markets can lead to loss of funds. The value of an investment may go down as well as up, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.Tax may be payable on any return and/or on any increase in the value of your investment and you should seek independent advice on your taxation position. Geographic restrictions may apply. See Risk Disclosures here.
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