US-based cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has secured an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on March 11, 2025. The licence allows Kraken to issue electronic money, enhance deposit and withdrawal speeds, and introduce new crypto and fiat products in the UK.
US-based cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has obtained an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, marking a significant step in its expansion within the region. The licence, granted on March 11, 2025, enables Kraken to issue electronic money and improve the speed of deposits and withdrawals for its clients.
Kraken, headquartered in San Francisco, is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, providing a platform for over 13 million users to trade more than 350 digital assets. The company supports transactions in multiple national currencies, including GBP, EUR, USD, CAD, CHF, and AUD. With the EMI licence, Kraken aims to introduce new crypto and fiat products tailored to UK users, offering enhanced liquidity and wealth-building opportunities in the digital asset space.
Strengthening Kraken’s UK Market Position
Kraken has previously demonstrated strong interest in the UK market. In 2019, it acquired Crypto Facilities, an FCA-regulated crypto futures platform, reinforcing its position in the region. More recently, the company secured a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) licence by acquiring a Cypriot investment firm, approved by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) in February 2025.
Kraken describes its latest EMI licence as a “launchpad for future growth,” underlining its commitment to making digital asset services more accessible in the UK. The exchange’s expansion aligns with the growing global interest in crypto regulations and institutional adoption of digital assets.
With regulatory approvals strengthening its European foothold, Kraken continues to enhance its offerings, further cementing its role as a major player in the global cryptocurrency market.
