{"id":16141,"date":"2026-01-21T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/europe.republic.com\/insights\/?p=16141"},"modified":"2026-02-23T09:05:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T09:05:20","slug":"kraken-spotlight-from-crypto-startup-to-a-global-digital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/europe.republic.com\/insights\/blog\/kraken-spotlight-from-crypto-startup-to-a-global-digital","title":{"rendered":"The Kraken Spotlight: from crypto startup to a global digital platform with 13+ million users"},"content":{"rendered":"


\nDon’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more<\/a>
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\n In the fast-moving world of fintech, few names carry as much weight as Kraken. Founded in 2011, just two years after the birth of Bitcoin, Kraken has survived every “crypto winter” the market has thrown at it. Along the way, they have navigated complex global regulations and evolved from a niche exchange into a diversified global financial platform. As we enter 2026, the spotlight on Kraken (the trading name of Payward, Inc.) has never been brighter.\n <\/p>\n

\n rKRKN is an investment opportunity offered by Republic Europe providing indirect economic exposure to shares of Payward, Inc. (trading as Kraken). This opportunity is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Kraken or Payward, Inc., and neither entity has reviewed or approved this content.\n <\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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The \u00a315 Billion Evolution<\/h2>\n

\n Kraken\u2019s journey to its current estimated $20 billion (approx. \u00a315.8 billion) valuation reflects a period of growth. Unlike many of its peers who chased hype at any cost, Kraken\u2019s leadership prioritised security and infrastructure.\n <\/p>\n

\n That discipline is now paying off. In late 2025, the company closed a massive $800 million funding round, bolstered by a strategic $200 million investment from Citadel Securities. When institutional giants like Citadel and Jane Street move onto the cap table, it signals that Kraken has successfully bridged the gap between the early days of crypto and the regulated halls of the City and Wall Street.\n <\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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More Than Just an Exchange<\/h2>\n

\n If you haven’t looked at the Kraken interface recently, you might be surprised by what you find. The Kraken of 2026 is a multi-asset ecosystem that competes directly with traditional names like Robinhood or Interactive Brokers.\n <\/p>\n