Kraken unveils qualified custody solution for crypto in the US
Kraken Institutional, the dedicated brand for bespoke crypto solutions for institutional investors from one of the longest-standing and most secure cryptocurrency exchanges, has formally launched its qualified custody solution, offered through Kraken Financial, its state-chartered bank.
Headquartered in Wyoming, USA, Kraken Financial is authorised to offer digital asset custody and deposit accounts for institutions. As per its charter, Kraken Financial holds all deposits in full-reserve, making it the natural service provider through which Kraken Institutional can offer qualified custody.
“Custody has always been integral to the institutional crypto space and the recent success of the bitcoin ETFs has only underscored the need for a broader range of qualified custodians,” said Tim Ogilvie, Head of Kraken Institutional. “Kraken has 12+ years of experience in safeguarding client assets and a qualified custody solution is a core part of a full-service institutional offering. The release of Kraken Custody is well-timed to provide the market with an alternative via a secure and trusted provider.”
Kraken Financial is a segregated entity, where funds and assets are held remote from Kraken and are available for withdrawal at all times. Kraken Financial offers a familiar structure for clients coming from traditional finance looking to enter the digital asset class, with the safety and security they expect from a regulated financial institution.
Kraken Financial will house Kraken Custody, the secure custody offering for clients who want to store, manage and transfer crypto assets all from one interface. Assets in custody will be protected by cutting-edge security protocols built in-house by Kraken’s leading cybersecurity team. Kraken Custody will combine this best-in-class security with a seamless integration to the rest of the Kraken product suite so clients can act in the fast-paced world of crypto while their funds remain in segregated accounts.
“The state of Wyoming’s clear regulatory structure means Kraken Financial can offer qualified custody that fully meets institutions’ requirements,” said Trevor Rutar, CEO of Kraken Financial. “Under the supervision of the Wyoming Division of Banking, Kraken Financial will be subject to some of the most rigorous security and operational checks of any crypto custodian. This makes Kraken Financial the ideal entity to offer custody in line with what institutions need to engage in the crypto asset-vertical.”
Rutar continued, “Kraken is uniquely suited to provide qualified custody. We operate one of the most responsive client engagement and account management teams in the market, with a brand that institutions associate with trust. Kraken Custody will be a continuation of the same mission we’ve pursued for over a decade: give clients secure and seamless access to crypto.”
Jonathon Miller, Managing Director, Kraken Australia & Rest of World, added, “Kraken Institutional has announced its custody solution. Whilst this is initially available for US eligible clients, we will continually strive to be a compliant bridge into crypto for any individual, trader, or institution, regardless of their location. We expect that our solutions will be made available to more Kraken clients in the near future.”
