- Kraken will bring Hedera EVM and Hedera Token Service (HTS) to the platform, allowing exchanges to support direct withdrawals and deposits of HTS native tokens.
- Kraken recently introduced Flexline, a regulated perpetual futures contract based on tokenized stocks and a crypto-backed loan product for professional traders.
Kraken is expanding its cryptocurrency coverage and integrating Hedera and its native token into its exchange network. The exchange announced this week that it plans to introduce Hedera EVM and HTS to its platform.
In the announcement, Kraken described Hedera as a network that offers instant finality, low fixed fees, and more than 10,000 transactions per second.
New network integrations: Hedera EVM and HTS coming soon to Kraken@hedera. Hedera is a public proof-of-stake network built on hashgraph consensus, offering instant finality, low fixed fees, and 10,000+ TPS. pic.twitter.com/qTFJweJoxTG
— Kraken Listings (@krakenlistings) February 25, 2026
Hedera EVM refers to the deployment of a networked Ethereum virtual machine. This will enable network developers to deploy and operate Ethereum-style smart contracts. In fact, with minimal changes to coding, developers can deploy Solidity smart contracts on Hedera and use tools like MetaMask to port dApps built on Ethereum.
HTS is the Hedera Token Service, a native service on the network that developers use to generate and manage tokens at the protocol level, rather than first writing smart contracts as is the case with Ethereum’s ERC20 tokens. This allows developers to avoid smart contract risks and keep transfer fees for these tokens low and predictable.
This announcement comes days after Axelar announced it has integrated Hedera, giving it access to over 60 blockchains. As reported by CNF, the partnership will allow Hedera network applications to leverage the liquidity of other networks, including the Ethereum DeFi sector. Two weeks ago, Hedera welcomed FedEx as its newest member to its governing council, joining other companies including Google, IBM, Dell and Boeing.
Kraken launches 24/7 permanent operation of tokenized stocks
The partnership with Hedera is the latest for Kraken as the exchange expands beyond its traditional crypto spot trading roots. This week, it revealed it had begun trading perpetual futures contracts based on tokenized stocks.
At launch, the product is not available in Kraken’s home market of the United States, but it plans to offer the service in more than 100 countries. The deal will track digitized versions of popular U.S. stocks and ETFs, including the Apple, Tesla, Nvidia and State Street gold ETFs. It will be based on xStocks, a product developed by Swiss company Backed Finance, which Kraken acquired last December.
“This is what happens when traditional markets restructure for a crypto-native, always-on world,” said Mark Greenberg, global head of consumer products at the exchange. “Given all markets are exhibiting volatility, it’s never too early.”
Kraken’s entry highlights the growing importance of perpetual trading, which is currently the dominant form of crypto derivatives. According to market data, decentralized perpetual trading platforms recorded more than $600 billion in January, with HyperLiquid leading the way.
The exchange also announced the launch of a new product, Flexline, which offers crypto-backed loans for up to two years. Users will be able to trade and withdraw their funds on exchanges, but the new product will not be available in the US, UK, Australia, Brazil, or United Arab Emirates.
