• Kraken secures $800 million in new funding across two rounds.
• Valuation climbs to $20 billion.
• Citadel Securities invests $200 million and forms a strategic partnership.
• Backed by Jane Street, DRW Venture Capital, HSG, Tribe Capital, and Kraken Co-CEO Arjun Sethi’s family office.
• Funds will support global expansion, regulatory growth, and new product development.
• Kraken still faces rumors about a future IPO, but the company says it is not rushing.

Kraken, one of the most established crypto exchanges in the US, has completed two major funding rounds totaling $800 million. This new capital pushes the company’s valuation to $20 billion, marking a strong phase of growth at a time when many crypto firms are working to expand globally and strengthen regulatory compliance.

A large part of this funding came from a $200 million strategic investment from Citadel Securities, a major US market-making firm. This investment was made at a $20 billion valuation and includes a strategic partnership between the two companies. Through this partnership, Citadel will provide Kraken with support in areas such as liquidity strategies, risk management, and market structure insights. These areas are essential for a crypto exchange that aims to scale into more regions and offer deeper liquidity to users.

Citadel’s involvement also highlights a growing trend of traditional financial giants entering the crypto industry. The firm recently took part in Ripple’s $500 million raise, showing a broader interest in major digital asset companies. Citadel’s backing gives Kraken both financial strength and institutional credibility as it looks to expand globally.

The first tranche of Kraken’s funding round was supported by well-known financial firms including Jane Street, DRW Venture Capital, HSG, and Tribe Capital. Additionally, Kraken Co-CEO Arjun Sethi’s family office made a “significant commitment,” signaling strong confidence from leadership in the company’s long-term strategy.

Kraken announced that the new funding will be used to scale operations across the world, particularly in regions where crypto adoption is growing rapidly. The company plans to strengthen its regulated footprint and expand its services into Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Beyond geographical expansion, Kraken also aims to add new products, enhance existing services, and potentially acquire strategic companies to boost its ecosystem.

Even though Kraken has been linked to IPO rumors since 2021, the company has not taken clear steps toward going public. Earlier discussions suggested a possible listing in 2022, but the plan never advanced. Now, despite a more supportive regulatory environment in the US, Kraken says there is no rush for an IPO.

In a recent statement, Co-CEO Arjun Sethi emphasized that Kraken is “financially sound,” well-capitalized, and comfortable relying on private funding for now. The latest $800 million raise supports his claim, giving the company enough flexibility to continue expanding without seeking public market funding.

With strong institutional support, a growing global strategy, and a strengthened balance sheet, Kraken is positioning itself as a major player in the next stage of the crypto industry’s growth cycle.

Final Thought

Kraken’s massive $800 million raise and new $20 billion valuation show its strong momentum in the crypto market. With powerful partners, broad institutional backing, and a focus on global expansion, Kraken is preparing to scale faster than ever—without the pressure of going public anytime soon.