Kraken Pro fee tiers now reward what you hold, not just what you trade

§ 01 Executive Snapshot

• What: Kraken Pro introduces a new fee tier system based on spot trading volume, futures trading volume, or assets on platform (AOP).
• Who: Kraken Pro users, specifically those in CA, US, and NZ.
• Why it matters: This change allows users to benefit from their holdings, enhancing trading flexibility and potentially lowering costs for users with significant balances.

§ 02 Key Developments

• Starting July 9, 2026, fee tiers will be determined by the highest of three measures: spot trading volume, futures trading volume, or AOP.
• AOP is assessed in real-time, allowing for tier adjustments based on current holdings without requiring recent trading activity.
• The fee tier applied will influence rates on both spot and futures trading, based on whichever measure qualifies for the highest tier.

§ 03 Strategic Context

• Previously, fee tiers were determined separately for spot and futures trading, with no consideration for asset holdings on the platform.
• This shift reflects a broader trend in trading platforms to reward user loyalty and engagement through asset management rather than solely trading activity.

§ 04 Strategic Implications

• Immediate implications include potentially lower fees for users who maintain significant balances or engage in limited trading activity.
• Long-term, this may encourage users to hold more assets on Kraken Pro, enhancing liquidity and platform engagement.

§ 05 Risks & Constraints

• Regulatory considerations may arise, particularly for users in CA, US, and NZ, where futures trading is limited or unavailable.
• Market volatility could impact AOP assessments, leading to fluctuating fee tiers and user dissatisfaction if rates increase unexpectedly.

§ 06 Watchlist / Forward Signals

• Users should monitor their asset balances and trading volumes to maximize tier benefits as the new system takes effect on July 9, 2026.
• Future developments will include user feedback on the new fee structure and any adjustments Kraken may make in response to market conditions or user experience.