Kraken signs $100 million deal for Small Exchange to bulk up US derivatives business

Group 1 - Kraken has acquired futures exchange Small Exchange from IG Group for $100 million, enabling the launch of a fully U.S.-based derivatives suite [1][2] - Small Exchange is a CFTC-licensed designated contract market, allowing Kraken to offer regulated futures and options to retail and institutional clients [2] - The acquisition reflects the maturation of the cryptocurrency sector as traditional financial firms increasingly engage with digital assets through regulated products [1][3] Group 2 - The derivatives market is attracting digital asset firms seeking liquidity and risk management, with analysts predicting accelerated adoption as more institutional players enter the space [3][4] - Kraken's acquisition is seen as a strategic move to establish institutional-grade markets as the crypto industry matures [4] - The regulatory environment in the U.S. is becoming more favorable for digital asset firms, encouraging expansion and clearer rules [5]