Kraken Becomes First Crypto Exchange on ICE Chat Network

Kraken has connected to ICE Chat, the instant messaging system operated by Intercontinental Exchange, gaining direct access to over 120,000 institutional clients. The integration marks the first time a cryptocurrency platform has linked to the financial industry’s leading communication network.

🚨BREAKING: KRAKEN CONNECTS TO ICE CHAT FOR INSTITUTIONAL CRYPTO TRADING@krakenfx has integrated its OTC desk with ICE Chat, embedding crypto liquidity directly into one of traditional finance’s largest institutional messaging networks.

The move enables more than 120,000 ICE… pic.twitter.com/KbUReETbPS

— BSCN (@BSCNews) February 17, 2026

The connection allows institutional traders across major financial centers to engage with Kraken’s over-the-counter desk. Traders can now access the exchange’s crypto spot and options market liquidity through the same interface used across global traditional markets.

ICE Chat operates as the primary communication tool for traders worldwide. The platform includes AI-powered Smart Text Recognition technology that converts text messages into actionable trading data.

Gurpreet Oberoi, Head of Kraken Institutional, addressed the strategic importance of the integration. He stated the connection opens a direct line into core institutional workflows.

By meeting clients where they already operate, we reduce operational friction and onboarding overhead while expanding access to Kraken’s institutional liquidity

Oberoi said.

ICE Welcomes First Crypto Platform to Trading Network

Maurisa Baumann, Head of Global Data Delivery Platforms at ICE, commented on the partnership. She noted that ICE Chat was designed specifically to match the custom needs of traders.

Firms using Kraken can communicate using always-on, instantaneous connectivity, in an easy-to-access, fully compliant environment

Baumann said.

She added that ICE Chat has become one of the largest networks in the financial industry. The platform serves as critical infrastructure for trading communication globally.

Kraken’s OTC desk has experienced continued growth amid increasing convergence between traditional finance and digital assets. The exchange’s institutional services have expanded alongside broader market adoption of cryptocurrencies.

Both companies expect to expand the integration across additional initiatives over time. The partnership reflects the increasing integration of digital assets into established financial market workflows.

The connection positions Kraken’s institutional services within compliance, security, and operational frameworks expected by global financial markets. Institutional clients can now access crypto liquidity through familiar trading infrastructure.

Kraken Expands Traditional Finance Bridge with Backed Acquisition

The ICE Chat integration follows Kraken’s December 2025 acquisition of Backed Finance. The deal brought tokenization solutions to the exchange, enabling conversion of traditional assets like stocks into digital tokens.

📣 We’re bringing @BackedFi, the company driving the issuance of xStocks, fully into Kraken.

Why? Because tokenized equities won’t reach global scale without unified rails.

With @xStocksFi now fully in-house, we’re accelerating the future of open, 24/7 capital markets 👇…

— Kraken (@krakenfx) December 2, 2025

Backed Finance specializes in creating blockchain-based versions of traditional financial instruments. Kraken currently offers stocks and ETFs issued by Backed on its platform.

Co-CEO Arjun Sethi indicated plans to integrate Backed’s products more fully into Kraken’s infrastructure. The acquisition strengthens the exchange’s strategy to become an on-chain venue for tokenized assets.

Kraken has pursued European compliance initiatives to connect tokenized assets with traditional finance markets. The exchange focuses on building institutional access to tokenized assets through expanding infrastructure.

The Backed acquisition and ICE Chat integration represent parallel efforts to bridge cryptocurrency and traditional finance. Both initiatives target institutional clients seeking regulated access to digital assets.

Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency exchange continues expanding its institutional product offerings. The company has positioned itself at the intersection of crypto markets and established financial systems.

Following these developments, Kraken’s institutional business has gained multiple connection points to traditional finance. The exchange now offers both communication infrastructure and tokenized asset capabilities.

The convergence between digital assets and traditional finance continues accelerating across the industry. Kraken’s recent moves place the exchange at the forefront of this institutional adoption trend.

ICE, which operates the New York Stock Exchange, provides technology and data services to financial markets globally. The company’s decision to integrate a crypto platform into ICE Chat signals growing institutional acceptance of digital assets.