Kraken debuts tokenized stock perpetual futures for non-US traders

CoinTelegraph

by Nate Kostar

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Kraken has introduced tokenized equity perpetual futures on its regulated derivatives platforms, offering eligible non-US clients the ability to trade leveraged exposure to major US stock indexes, gold, and individual companies like Nvidia, Apple, and Tesla. These contracts, built using the xStocks framework, provide up to 20x leverage and operate as perpetual futures—derivatives that do not expire, allowing for continuous trading. Unlike traditional investments, these products reference tokenized equity benchmarks rather than directly holding underlying shares. The launch marks a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space by bringing regulated tokenized equity perpetual futures to a derivatives venue. The xStocks framework issues blockchain-based representations of publicly traded stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), enabling users to access traditional financial markets through a decentralized finance (DeFi) lens. This innovation caters to crypto-savvy traders seeking new investment opportunities, particularly those interested in leveraging the volatility of major US equities without directly holding shares. Kraken’s move is notable for its potential to bridge the gap between traditional finance and DeFi. By offering perpetual futures on well-known companies like Apple and Tesla, Kraken taps into a growing interest in combining crypto derivatives with exposure to familiar stock market assets. The use of blockchain technology ensures transparency and efficiency, while the regulatory oversight adds credibility to these products. For readers interested in crypto, this development underscores the ongoing convergence of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized markets. Tokenized equity perpetual futures like these could appeal to speculative traders looking for high leverage and 24/7 access to major markets. Additionally, Kraken’s focus on non-US clients highlights the global reach of cryptocurrency platforms, which continue to expand their offerings beyond traditional crypto assets into more complex financial instruments. Overall, Kraken’s tokenized equity perpetual futures represent a forward step in the evolution of DeFi, bringing institutional-grade tools to retail traders while maintaining the transparency and efficiency associated with blockchain technology.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/24/2026