Solana news: Kraken Adds Solana DEX Trading to App, Eyes Broader Network Support

Kraken Integrates Solana DEX Trading

On 12 May, Kraken introduced decentralised exchange (DEX) trading for Solana tokens directly within its mobile app. Powered by Jupiter, Solana’s leading swap aggregator, this feature allows verified users to access thousands of tokens not listed on Kraken’s standard order books.

How the Integration Works

The DEX trading feature uses an embedded non-custodial wallet, managed by Privy, to handle key management. Users do not need to set up a separate wallet; the app generates one automatically, and trades are funded from existing Kraken balances. Transactions typically settle in under a minute, reflecting Solana’s high-speed network.

Currently, only market orders are supported. There is a 3% slippage tolerance, which may affect returns on less liquid pairs. The minimum trade size is $10. Kraken charges a 1% technology fee per swap, in addition to standard Solana network fees, which are usually below $0.01 per transaction. This fee structure is higher than trading directly through Jupiter, where no protocol fee applies.

Token Access and Limitations

Trades are limited to a verified token list, so not every Solana contract is available. DEX-traded tokens cannot be withdrawn to external wallets; users can only buy and sell within the app. This means users rely on Kraken’s embedded wallet infrastructure for custody, despite its non-custodial design.

Geographic Availability and Expansion Plans

At launch, the feature is restricted to verified users in Egypt, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Kraken has stated intentions to expand both supported networks and geographic coverage based on demand. The exchange has an existing relationship with the Solana ecosystem, having previously partnered on xStocks, a tokenised equities project built on Solana.

Why This Matters for the UK

While the feature is not yet available in the UK, Kraken’s integration of Solana DEX trading signals a trend towards blending centralised and decentralised finance. As UK regulators and users monitor developments, such integrations could influence future offerings and adoption of Solana-based DeFi services in the British market.