Kraken Acquires Capitalise.ai to Expand No-Code Trading Automation

Kraken has acquired Israel-based startup Capitalise.ai, a no-code trading automation platform that translates natural-language commands into executable strategies, for an undisclosed amount. The technology is set to be integrated into Kraken Pro later this year, expanding the platform’s capabilities for users to design, backtest, and automate trades across digital and traditional markets without coding knowledge [1]. Founded in 2015, Capitalise.ai supports execution across equities, crypto, foreign exchange, futures, and options. Shannon Kurtas, Kraken’s head of exchange, emphasized that the acquisition aims to make advanced trading strategies more accessible to a broader audience [2].

This acquisition follows Kraken’s earlier $1.5 billion purchase of US futures platform NinjaTrader in March, signaling a continued push toward integrating advanced tools for professional traders [3]. The move is part of a broader trend in the crypto industry, with major exchanges, analytics firms, and miners increasingly acquiring AI startups to enhance trading, compliance, and infrastructure. For instance, Chainalysis acquired Alterya, an AI-driven fraud detection company, for $150 million in January, while xPortal acquired Alphalink to bolster its AI-driven mobile interfaces for crypto [4]. Tether and Rumble also announced a joint $1.17 billion bid for Northern Data, an AI and high-performance computing firm, and MARA Holdings acquired a 64% stake in Exaion, a French AI firm, in a $168 million deal [5].

Not all firms are acquiring AI capabilities directly. In July, Coinbase opted for a partnership with Perplexity AI to integrate its COIN50 index data into the search engine, aiming to embed real-time crypto data into AI responses [6]. These varied approaches highlight the industry’s growing recognition of AI’s potential in finance, from trading automation to compliance and risk management.

Kraken has not disclosed its plans for Capitalise.ai’s existing customers or product offerings, but the integration into Kraken Pro suggests a focus on innovation and accessibility [7]. The acquisition underscores the competitive dynamics within the crypto exchange space, where technological advancement plays a crucial role in retaining users and gaining market share [8]. By lowering the barrier to entry for algorithmic trading, Kraken is positioning itself as a forward-thinking platform catering to both institutional and retail traders [9].

As AI becomes more central to the crypto industry, the lines between traditional finance and crypto are blurring. With multiple firms investing in AI-driven technologies, the trend highlights the sector’s evolution toward automation, efficiency, and enhanced user experience.

Sources:

[1] Cointelegraph - [https://cointelegraph.com/news/kraken-buys-capitalise-ai-crypto-companies-race-acquire-ai-startups](https://cointelegraph.com/news/kraken-buys-capitalise-ai-crypto-companies-race-acquire-ai-startups)