NinjaTrader, a U.S.-based futures trading platform, has officially launched its retail futures offering in Europe, marking a significant step in its international expansion. The rollout begins in the Netherlands and Germany, two markets where interest in exchange-traded derivatives has been steadily rising among individual investors.
The Chicago-headquartered firm announced that European clients will be able to trade listed futures contracts through Payward Europe Digital Solutions Limited, a regulated investment firm operating under MiFID, the European Union’s framework for financial markets and investment services. MiFID oversight is a key requirement for firms offering futures and other derivatives across the bloc.
NinjaTrader said it plans to extend its European presence further in the coming months, with France and Italy among the next target markets. The company expects demand to continue growing as retail traders across Europe look for alternatives to over-the-counter products.
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Shift Toward Exchange-Traded Derivatives
The move comes at a time when European regulators and market participants are increasingly favoring exchange-traded instruments over OTC derivatives such as contracts for difference. CFDs, once a popular entry point for retail traders, have faced tighter restrictions in several European jurisdictions due to concerns around investor protection and transparency.
In contrast, exchange-listed futures are regulated, centrally cleared, and traded on transparent venues, features that have made them more attractive to both regulators and market participants. Several major players have responded to this shift. Interactive Brokers, for example, already offers European clients access to exchange-listed futures, while Eurex has continued to broaden its derivatives lineup under MiFID-compliant structures.
“Retail access to futures is becoming a global expectation, not a regional exception,” said Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of Kraken, in a statement.
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He pointed to rising demand for transparent markets and scalable infrastructure as key drivers behind the expansion of retail futures access.
Tools Aimed at Retail Traders
European users of NinjaTrader will gain access to the company’s futures trading platform, which includes advanced charting, order-flow analysis tools, execution features, and a simulated trading environment. The simulated, or “paper trading,” sandbox allows users to practice strategies without risking real capital.
NinjaTrader said these tools are designed to help retail traders make the transition into listed futures markets, which have traditionally been less accessible in Europe compared with OTC products. Futures trading often requires a deeper understanding of leverage, margin, and contract specifications, making education and practice tools especially important for newer participants.
Backed by Kraken Acquisition
NinjaTrader’s European expansion follows its acquisition by crypto exchange Kraken in 2025 for $1.5 billion. The deal gave Kraken a stronger foothold in regulated derivatives markets and signaled its intention to bridge traditional and digital asset trading within compliant frameworks.
Following the acquisition, Kraken expanded its own European derivatives offering under MiFID rules, including the use of crypto assets as collateral within a regulated structure. The moves reflect a broader strategy to operate across both traditional financial instruments and digital assets while meeting regulatory expectations in key markets.
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Adding to that momentum, Kraken-sponsored KRAKacquisition Corp completed an upsized $345 million initial public offering on Friday. The special purpose acquisition company is seeking a future merger or acquisition, although no specific targets have been disclosed.
A Broader European Push
NinjaTrader’s entry into Europe highlights how retail trading is evolving beyond national boundaries. As technology improves and regulatory frameworks become more harmonized, platforms that once focused on single regions are increasingly looking abroad.
For European retail traders, the launch adds another option for accessing regulated futures markets, at a time when demand for transparent and exchange-traded products continues to grow. For NinjaTrader and Kraken, it represents another step toward building a global presence in regulated derivatives trading.
