The cryptocurrency landscape is undergoing a pivotal transformation, and Kraken—one of the most established centralized exchanges—is stepping boldly into the decentralized future. In 2025, Kraken plans to launch Ink, a new blockchain platform designed to simplify access to decentralized finance (DeFi) and reduce reliance on intermediaries. This strategic move signifies a major evolution in Kraken’s business model, aligning with broader industry trends toward user empowerment, transparency, and open financial systems.
Introducing Ink: A New Era for DeFi Accessibility
Ink represents more than just a technical upgrade—it's a philosophical shift. While Kraken has long operated as a centralized exchange (CEX), Ink marks its formal entry into the Web3 ecosystem. The goal? To make DeFi tools like trading, lending, and borrowing more intuitive, accessible, and cost-effective for everyday users.
According to reports from Bloomberg, Ink will enable peer-to-peer financial interactions without requiring third-party oversight. This means users can trade assets, earn yield, or secure loans directly through decentralized applications (DApps) built on the Ink blockchain—no gatekeepers needed.
👉 Discover how decentralized platforms are reshaping finance in 2025.
This initiative positions Kraken alongside other major players like Binance and Coinbase, both of which have successfully launched their own blockchain ecosystems—BNB Smart Chain and Base, respectively. However, Kraken’s approach emphasizes simplicity and integration with existing user infrastructure, particularly its popular Kraken Wallet app.
Unlike many blockchain launches, Ink will not introduce a native token at launch. Instead, it will focus on utility: enabling seamless access to DeFi protocols such as decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and lending platforms. This design choice reduces speculative pressure and prioritizes real-world usability—a refreshing contrast to hype-driven crypto projects.
Andrew Koller, founder of Ink, emphasized that this transition reflects Kraken’s long-term vision: moving from centralized control to decentralized empowerment. “We’re not just building another blockchain,” he stated. “We’re building a bridge between traditional crypto users and the next generation of financial autonomy.”
Empowering Developers with an Early Testnet
To ensure a robust ecosystem at launch, Kraken announced the release of an Ink testnet in 2024, giving developers early access to experiment, build, and optimize decentralized applications before the mainnet goes live in 2025.
This developer-first strategy is critical. A thriving DApp ecosystem doesn’t emerge overnight—it requires time, collaboration, and strong tooling. By opening the testnet early, Kraken invites innovators to shape the future of Ink, fostering community ownership and technical refinement.
The testnet phase allows developers to:
- Simulate transactions and smart contract executions
- Identify bugs or performance bottlenecks
- Integrate wallets, oracles, and cross-chain bridges
- Build user-friendly interfaces for DeFi services
Kraken has studied the successes of BNB Smart Chain and Coinbase’s Base—both of which attracted thousands of DApps by offering low fees, Ethereum compatibility, and strong developer support. Ink aims to replicate this formula while enhancing security and ease of use.
With over a dozen DApps already planned for launch—including platforms focused on real-world asset tokenization and improved lending mechanisms—Ink is poised to deliver immediate value upon release.
Revenue Generation and Strategic Advantages
While user experience is central to Ink’s mission, Kraken also sees clear business opportunities. Initially, the Ink blockchain will function as a sequencer, responsible for ordering and batching transactions before final settlement on Layer 1 networks like Ethereum.
This model has proven highly profitable for other platforms. For example, Coinbase generated $53 million in Q2 2024 solely from sequencer revenue on its Base network. By adopting a similar approach, Kraken expects to create a sustainable income stream that supports ongoing development and network security.
Importantly, this revenue model does not compromise decentralization goals. Over time, Kraken intends to gradually decentralize sequencer operations, transitioning control to a distributed network of validators—a path consistent with true Web3 principles.
Beyond transaction fees, Ink opens doors for Kraken to expand its product suite. Real-world asset (RWA) platforms could tokenize property, commodities, or even intellectual property rights, bringing tangible value on-chain. Enhanced lending protocols may offer better interest rates, collateral options, and risk management tools—making DeFi more attractive to institutional and retail users alike.
👉 See how blockchain innovation is unlocking new financial opportunities today.
Expanding Beyond Ink: Kraken’s Broader Growth Strategy
The launch of Ink is part of a larger expansion plan. On October 3, Kraken secured a Class F Digital Business License from the Bermuda Monetary Authority, allowing it to operate a derivatives trading platform in Bermuda. This license permits Kraken to offer:
- Digital asset derivatives trading
- Lending and repurchase (repo) services
- Custody solutions for institutional clients
This regulatory milestone underscores Kraken’s commitment to compliance while pushing innovation forward. It also strengthens its global footprint, enabling the company to serve clients in jurisdictions with clear crypto frameworks.
Combined with Ink’s upcoming debut, this move illustrates Kraken’s dual strategy: innovate aggressively in DeFi while maintaining trust through regulation and transparency.
Core Keywords Integration
Throughout this article, key themes naturally emerge—DeFi, blockchain, decentralized finance, Kraken, Ink, Web3, DApps, and testnet—all central to understanding the significance of this development. These terms reflect user search intent around emerging crypto trends, platform updates, and investment or usage opportunities in next-gen financial infrastructure.
By focusing on real utility over speculation, Kraken is positioning Ink as a practical gateway into DeFi—not just another blockchain vying for attention.
👉 Explore how leading exchanges are building the future of finance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Ink by Kraken?
A: Ink is a new blockchain platform developed by Kraken to simplify access to decentralized finance (DeFi). It enables users to trade, lend, and borrow without intermediaries and integrates directly with the Kraken Wallet app.
Q: Will Ink have its own cryptocurrency?
A: No, Kraken has confirmed that Ink will not launch with a native token. The focus is on utility and accessibility rather than token speculation.
Q: When will Ink be available?
A: The Ink testnet launched in 2024 for developers. The mainnet is scheduled for release in 2025.
Q: How does Ink generate revenue for Kraken?
A: Initially, Kraken will earn revenue by operating as a sequencer—organizing transactions on the network—similar to how Coinbase generates income from its Base blockchain.
Q: Is Ink compatible with Ethereum?
A: While full details are pending, Kraken has indicated that Ink will support Ethereum-compatible smart contracts to ease developer adoption and interoperability.
Q: Can anyone build on Ink?
A: Yes. The testnet is open to developers worldwide, and Kraken encourages DApp creators to build financial tools, especially those focused on real-world assets and lending.
With Ink, Kraken isn’t just adapting to the future of finance—it’s helping build it. By lowering barriers to DeFi participation and fostering an open development environment, the exchange is setting a new standard for what centralized platforms can become in a decentralized world.