Kraken, one of the largest digital asset trading platforms, has announced plans to launch its own blockchain, Ink, by early 2025. This new layer-2 (L2) network will be built on the Optimism Superchain, which shares Ethereum’s security and governance standards. Ink aims to facilitate decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, allowing users to trade, lend, and borrow cryptocurrencies without intermediaries.

Kraken’s move into the DeFi space is expected to simplify user experiences and reduce costs. The testnet for Ink will be available later this year, with a full launch planned for the first quarter of 2025. This development positions Kraken alongside other major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase, who have also launched their own blockchains to enhance user engagement and revenue.