Kraken announced on Friday that it plans to restructure its entire flagship app around agentic artificial intelligence, sharing the details exclusively with CNBC. The cryptocurrency exchange company is building a new platform designed to give users access to AI agents capable of continuously monitoring markets, identifying investment opportunities and recommending trades in real time. The move positions Kraken to provide retail investors with capabilities traditionally reserved for professional traders, according to Kamo Asatryan, the company's chief data officer. The announcement reflects a broader trend among tech companies placing bets on agentic AI, a technology that differs from traditional automated trading tools by using AI agents that can evaluate changing market conditions and learn from new information.
Kraken Introduces AI Agents for Market Monitoring and Trade Recommendations
The new platform provides users with AI agents that continuously monitor markets, identify investment opportunities and recommend trades in real time. Unlike traditional automated trading tools that follow pre-programmed rules, agentic trading uses AI agents that can evaluate changing market conditions, learn from new information and pursue financial objectives established by the user. "AI is going to help everyday people respond to market conditions the way our most active traders respond," Asatryan told CNBC. He added that the company aims to ensure customers who are everyday people have the same capability and are as well informed as professional traders.
Platform Requires User Approval for All Transactions
Kraken emphasized that users will retain full control over their investments, with every transaction requiring explicit approval before execution. While the technology can suggest trades and portfolio adjustments, the company stated that no automated execution occurs without user consent. Once accounts are active, the AI continues working by delivering customized market insights, portfolio-specific news and suggestions to optimize idle cash or rebalance investments. Kraken also plans to personalize both conversations and the application's interface over time as it learns more about each customer.
AI Assistant Gathers User Information Through Conversational Setup
The redesigned onboarding process uses an AI assistant that gathers information about financial goals, risk tolerance, funding preferences and overall financial circumstances during a conversational setup. Rather than asking users to manually configure investment preferences, the system generates a proposed portfolio, explains the reasoning behind its recommendations, and allows users to modify or approve the strategy before investing. Asatryan described the intended experience as one that feels more like speaking with a knowledgeable financial confidant. "Talking to Kraken should be like talking to your well-informed best friend who knows a lot about finance but also knows a lot about you," he said.
Coinbase and Gemini Introduce Similar AI Trading Tools
Kraken is not alone in pursuing AI-powered investing. Rivals including Coinbase and Gemini have recently introduced AI-assisted trading tools and developer products as competition intensifies during a prolonged downturn in cryptocurrency prices. Asatryan argued that AI represents a way to improve customer engagement throughout market cycles. He noted that professional traders remain active regardless of market direction, capitalizing on volatility rather than avoiding it. "The opportunity to discuss investing opportunities with AI is going to unlock a lot of access and engagement from everyday people," Asatryan said.
FAQ
What did Kraken announce on Friday?
Kraken announced on Friday that it plans to restructure its entire flagship app around agentic artificial intelligence, sharing the details exclusively with CNBC. The new platform is designed to give users access to AI agents capable of continuously monitoring markets, identifying investment opportunities and recommending trades in real time.
How does Kraken's agentic AI differ from traditional automated trading tools?
Unlike traditional automated trading tools that follow pre-programmed rules, Kraken's agentic trading uses AI agents that can evaluate changing market conditions, learn from new information and pursue financial objectives established by the user. However, users retain full control, with every transaction requiring explicit approval before execution.
Which other companies have introduced AI-assisted trading tools?
Rivals including Coinbase and Gemini have recently introduced AI-assisted trading tools and developer products as competition intensifies in the cryptocurrency market.
