The cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and Kraken — one of the industry’s most established centralized exchanges — is making a bold leap into the decentralized future. In 2025, Kraken plans to launch Ink, a new blockchain built from the ground up to simplify access to decentralized finance (DeFi) and empower users with greater control over their digital assets.
This strategic move signals a major shift in Kraken’s business model — from a primarily centralized exchange (CEX) to a key player in the Web3 ecosystem. With Ink, Kraken aims to lower barriers to entry, reduce transaction costs, and create a seamless bridge between traditional crypto trading and the complex world of DeFi.
Ink: A New Era for DeFi Accessibility
Ink isn’t just another blockchain; it’s Kraken’s answer to the growing demand for user-friendly, scalable, and secure DeFi infrastructure. While DeFi has seen explosive growth over the past few years, its adoption remains limited by technical complexity, high gas fees, and fragmented user experiences.
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Ink is designed to solve these pain points by offering:
- Seamless integration with the Kraken Wallet app, allowing users to interact directly with DeFi protocols.
- Support for decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and lending platforms, enabling users to earn yields and manage assets without intermediaries.
- A focus on simplicity and accessibility, making DeFi tools available even to non-technical users.
Unlike many blockchain launches, Ink will not introduce a native token. This decision reflects Kraken’s emphasis on utility over speculation, prioritizing real-world functionality and long-term sustainability.
According to Bloomberg, Ink will allow users to trade, borrow, and lend tokens peer-to-peer, removing the need for centralized oversight. This marks a significant departure from Kraken’s current operations but aligns with broader industry trends — as seen with Binance’s BNB Smart Chain and Coinbase’s Base blockchain.
Andrew Koller, founder of Ink, emphasized that this initiative represents “the beginning of a transition from centralized services to decentralized ones.” For Kraken, this isn’t just about launching a new product — it’s about redefining its role in the future of finance.
Empowering Developers: The Ink Testnet Is Coming
To ensure a robust ecosystem at launch, Kraken will roll out an Ink testnet in 2024, giving developers early access to build and test decentralized applications (DApps).
This pre-launch phase is critical for fostering innovation and community engagement. By inviting developers to experiment with Ink’s architecture, Kraken aims to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of DApps before the mainnet goes live in 2025.
The testnet will support:
- Development of custom DeFi protocols
- Integration of real-world asset (RWA) platforms
- Creation of cross-chain compatible applications
Kraken is closely studying the successes of other exchange-backed blockchains. For instance, Coinbase generated $53 million in revenue from transaction sequencing in Q2 2024 alone — a model Ink plans to adopt.
By launching with over a dozen DApps already integrated — including advanced lending solutions and RWA marketplaces — Kraken intends to hit the ground running and offer immediate value to users.
Revenue Generation and Strategic Advantages
While user experience is central to Ink’s mission, Kraken also sees significant revenue potential in this venture. The blockchain will initially operate with a centralized sequencer, responsible for ordering transactions before they are settled on a Layer 2 or base layer.
This model, proven by Coinbase and Binance, allows exchanges to capture value from transaction fees while maintaining performance and scalability. As DeFi activity grows on Ink, so too will the volume of transactions — creating a sustainable income stream for Kraken.
But the benefits extend beyond revenue:
- Enhanced user retention: By offering DeFi tools within its ecosystem, Kraken can keep users engaged across multiple services.
- Competitive differentiation: In a crowded exchange market, Ink positions Kraken as an innovator driving decentralization.
- Future expansion: The success of Ink could pave the way for new financial products, including institutional-grade DeFi solutions.
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Expanding Horizons: Kraken’s Broader Growth Strategy
The launch of Ink is just one piece of Kraken’s broader expansion strategy. In October 2024, the company launched a new derivatives trading platform in Bermuda, following the acquisition of a Class F Digital Asset Business License from the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
This license permits Kraken to offer:
- Digital asset derivatives trading
- Lending and repurchase (repo) services
- Institutional-grade financial products
Operating from Bermuda strengthens Kraken’s global footprint and regulatory compliance, enabling it to serve clients in multiple jurisdictions with confidence.
This move complements Ink’s vision by reinforcing Kraken’s dual approach: offering both regulated centralized services and cutting-edge decentralized infrastructure.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Ink blockchain by Kraken?
A: Ink is a new blockchain launched by Kraken in 2025 to simplify access to decentralized finance (DeFi). It integrates with the Kraken Wallet and supports DEXs, lending platforms, and real-world asset applications — all without a native token.
Q: When will the Ink testnet be available?
A: The Ink testnet is expected to launch in 2024, giving developers early access to build decentralized applications ahead of the mainnet release in 2025.
Q: Does Ink have its own cryptocurrency?
A: No, Kraken does not plan to issue a native token for the Ink blockchain. The focus is on utility and user experience rather than token speculation.
Q: How will Kraken make money from Ink?
A: Kraken will generate revenue through transaction sequencing — organizing and processing DeFi transactions on the network — similar to models used by Coinbase and Binance.
Q: Is Ink fully decentralized?
A: Initially, Ink will use a centralized sequencer managed by Kraken. However, the long-term goal is to transition toward greater decentralization as the ecosystem matures.
Q: How does Ink compare to BNB Smart Chain or Base?
A: Like BNB Chain and Base, Ink is an exchange-backed blockchain designed to support DeFi apps. However, Ink differentiates itself through its no-token model and deep integration with Kraken’s existing wallet and user base.
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Final Thoughts: Kraken’s Vision for the Decentralized Future
Kraken’s launch of the Ink blockchain represents more than just technological advancement — it’s a strategic pivot toward becoming a full-stack Web3 provider. By combining its strengths in security, compliance, and user experience with the openness of decentralized finance, Kraken is positioning itself at the forefront of the next digital revolution.
As DeFi continues to mature in 2025 and beyond, platforms like Ink will play a crucial role in bringing mainstream users into the ecosystem. With strong developer support, clear revenue models, and a commitment to accessibility, Ink could become one of the most influential blockchains launched by a centralized exchange yet.
For users, developers, and investors alike, the arrival of Ink marks an exciting new chapter — where centralized trust meets decentralized possibility.