Canada Approves Kraken as Restricted Dealer, Signaling Regulatory Shift in Crypto Sector

Kraken Expands in Canada with Regulatory Green Light and Free e-Transfers

Crypto exchange Kraken just locked in a key regulatory milestone in Canada, registering as a restricted dealer and positioning itself for deeper expansion in the country’s fast-evolving digital asset space.

Announced Tuesday, the approval comes after years of collaboration with Canadian regulators and compliance upgrades to meet strict investor protection standards set by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC).

“This marks a major step forward not just for Kraken, but for crypto in Canada,” said Cynthia Del Pozo, Kraken’s newly appointed General Manager for North America. A veteran in fintech and operations, Del Pozo will lead strategy and growth across the region.

With interest in crypto rising across the country, Kraken is betting big on user experience. The platform is now offering free Interac e-Transfer deposits to Canadian users—an effort to remove onboarding barriers and attract first-time buyers.

“Canada is at a tipping point,” said Del Pozo. “We’re seeing increased interest from institutions and retail alike. Our goal is to help accelerate responsible adoption.”

Kraken has seen its Canadian presence double in the last two years, now managing over CAD $2 billion in client assets. The company plans to maintain momentum with upcoming appearances, including Kraken CMO Mayur Gupta speaking at Consensus 2025 in Toronto on May 14-15.

About The Author

ctleditor

See author's posts