Kraken has launched "Kraken Prop," a proprietary trading program allowing retail traders to access up to $200,000 in funded capital after passing a skills test, keeping up to 90% of profits. This initiative, live since May 27, 2026, positions Kraken as the first major crypto exchange to integrate such a program directly. It matters for crypto as it could significantly increase trading volume and liquidity on Kraken, potentially attracting a new segment of active traders. The key data point is the $200,000 funded capital and 90% profit share. Watch for other exchanges to follow suit, intensifying competition for active traders and potentially driving broader market engagement.
This move signals a maturing crypto market where exchanges are expanding beyond basic trading to offer advanced financial products. It reflects a race for liquidity and active users, indicating a shift towards more sophisticated retail participation. This trend implies increased market efficiency and potential for higher volatility.
Kraken switched on Kraken Prop on May 27, 2026, becoming the first major crypto exchange to run a retail, evaluation-based proprietary-trading program directly inside its own platform. The product lets traders pass a paid skills test, receive up to $200,000 in funded capital, and keep as much as 90%