The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.

Kraken Cyprus was honored at the 14th Invest Cyprus International Investment Awards, held in July under the auspices of Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides. The invitation-only event, organized by Invest Cyprus and hosted by GOLD Magazine with PwC Cyprus as presenter, recognized seven international companies for their investments in Cyprus. Kraken was represented by Alexia Theodorou, its Derivatives Director and General Manager of Kraken Cyprus, who accepted the award from Cyprus’s Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, and Georgia Pitta, CFO of ECOMMBX.

The award acknowledges Kraken’s decision to establish operations in Cyprus in 2025, citing the country’s strong regulatory framework, skilled workforce, and strategic position as a gateway to European financial markets. Alexia Theodorou highlighted the Cypriot government’s supportive institutional environment and professional engagement throughout Kraken’s establishment process. She emphasized the company’s commitment to deepening its local presence and building long-term roots in Cyprus, where it operates through Payward Europe Digital Solutions (CY) Limited, holding a MiFID license regulated by CySEC.

Kraken secured its MiFID II license in February 2025 by acquiring a licensed Cypriot investment firm, enabling it to offer regulated derivatives products to advanced and professional traders across the European Economic Area. The license has already led to product expansion, with Kraken opening crypto collateral for derivatives trading on November 3, 2025, allowing Kraken Pro users in Europe to post Bitcoin, Ethereum, and select stablecoins as margin for futures positions.

Founded in 2011, Kraken has expanded into a full-spectrum financial services business serving millions of clients across over 190 countries. The recognition in Cyprus and the MiFID license reflect Kraken’s broader growth strategy in Europe. The Invest Cyprus awards, now in their 14th year, honor international companies contributing to Cyprus’s economy, with support from sponsors including Eurobank, ECOMMBX, Cyta Business, and the Lanitis Group.