Kraken, a US crypto exchange, founded by Jesse Powell in 2011, is gaining attention for its secure platform compared to Coinbase.
While Coinbase is popular and publicly traded, recent news shows Kraken aiming to launch an IPO in Q1 2026, potentially rivaling Coinbase.
Kraken is exploring a $1 billion debt note with JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, indicating financial strength for its IPO debut.
Additionally, Kraken acquired NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion, enhancing its crypto futures trading capabilities.
The SEC agreed to dismiss a lawsuit against Kraken, signaling a positive shift towards crypto companies under the new administration.
Kraken's relaunch of crypto staking in Q1 adds to its appeal, offering users the ability to stake coins and earn staking fees.
Despite Coinbase's larger user base, Kraken competes in daily trading volume and altcoin trading, showcasing its potential to challenge Coinbase's dominance.