2025 Crypto Exchange Showdown: Figure vs Kraken vs Gemini

As the cryptocurrency market surpasses $5 trillion in global capitalization, selecting the right trading platform has become crucial for investor success. This comprehensive analysis compares three industry frontrunners—Figure Markets, Kraken, and Gemini—across the critical dimensions that matter most to today’s sophisticated crypto investors, revealing how their distinct founding philosophies and service ecosystems create unique value propositions in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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Kraken Raises $500M at $15B Valuation Ahead of IPO

Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has positioned itself for a potential public listing after securing $500 million in funding at a staggering $15 billion valuation. The substantial capital infusion, conducted entirely on Kraken’s terms without a lead investor, signals robust investor confidence as the exchange joins a growing wave of crypto firms preparing for public markets. This development comes amid increasing speculation that Kraken is following the successful IPO path of competitors like Gemini and Circle.

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Kraken Q2 2025: Revenue Up 18% YoY, EBITDA Dips 7%

Kraken’s Q2 2025 financial results showed mixed performance, with revenue rising 18% year-over-year to $412 million but declining 13% quarter-over-quarter. Adjusted EBITDA dropped 7% to $79.7 million, reflecting seasonal trading weakness and broader market turbulence. Exchange volume grew 19% YoY to $186.8 billion, while funded accounts surged 37% to 4.4 million. Kraken expanded its market share in spot trading, particularly in stablecoin-related volumes, which jumped from 43% to 68%. The exchange also launched new products, including a MiFID-regulated crypto futures suite in Europe and CME-listed futures in the U.S. Additionally, Kraken introduced Prime for institutional clients and expanded custody services for SOL, XRP, and USDG. Meanwhile, the DOJ closed its investigation into co-founder Jesse Powell, clearing him of unrelated allegations. Kraken is eyeing a potential IPO in 2026.

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DOJ Drops Probe Into Kraken Co-Founder Jesse Powell

The US Justice Department has closed its criminal investigation into Kraken co-founder Jesse Powell, which centered on allegations from the Verge Center for the Arts—a nonprofit he founded—rather than his crypto activities. The FBI had raided Powell’s home in 2023, seizing devices later returned after prosecutors declined to press charges. Powell, who stepped down as Kraken’s CEO in 2022 but remains on its board, plans to pursue civil action against Verge, accusing its leadership of defamation. The case’s dismissal comes as Kraken considers a potential IPO by 2026, following a $30 million SEC settlement over staking services last year. Industry leaders, including Coinbase’s Brian Armstrong, praised the decision, calling the probe ‘baseless.’

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DOJ Ends Probe into Kraken Co-Founder, Crypto Market Reacts

The DOJ’s decision to drop its investigation into Jesse Powell, co-founder of Kraken, has stirred mixed reactions in the crypto market. Though not directly tied to Bitcoin’s recent price drop from $120K to ~$118K, the resolution may reinforce confidence in Kraken, a major BTC trading platform. Meanwhile, the broader market faces volatility due to macroeconomic factors, regulatory uncertainty, and $288M in liquidations. Kraken’s new global app, Krak, offers low-fee trading and staking, but short-term turbulence persists amid ETF outflows and policy debates. Bitcoin currently trades at $117,731, down 0.78% in 24 hours.

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DOJ Drops Investigation into Kraken Co-founder Jesse Powell

The DOJ has ended its probe into Jesse Powell, co-founder of crypto exchange Kraken, following allegations of hacking and cyber-stalking his nonprofit, the Verge Center for the Arts. The investigation, which began in 2023 after an FBI raid on Powell’s home, saw dozens of devices seized but ultimately concluded without charges. Powell, who stepped down as Kraken CEO in 2022, criticized the investigation as baseless and drew parallels to the ongoing Tornado Cash trial. The case unfolded amid a broader U.S. crackdown on crypto under President Biden, with Kraken paying a $30 million SEC fine in 2023. However, since President Trump—a crypto advocate backed by industry figures like Powell—took office, several crypto-related lawsuits have been dropped.

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FBI Drops Probe into Kraken Founder Jesse Powell

The US Justice Department has ended its investigation into Kraken founder Jesse Powell, returning laptops and phones seized during an FBI raid in 2022. The case centered on a governance conflict at the Verge Center for the Arts, a Sacramento nonprofit Powell founded, rather than Kraken’s crypto operations. Powell, who maintains the allegations were baseless, is pursuing a civil lawsuit against former colleagues for defamation and wrongful removal. The Justice Department’s declination letter aims to counter reputational damage, though questions remain about the investigation’s details. Notably, Powell did not disclose whether the returned devices held Bitcoin, which has surged in value since the raid.

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FBI Drops Investigation into Kraken Founder Jesse Powell

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has closed its probe into Kraken founder Jesse Powell, according to recent court filings. The investigation, which began two years ago with a raid on Powell’s home, focused on allegations tied to his involvement with the nonprofit Verge Center for the Arts. Powell denied any wrongdoing, and his legal team received a declination letter from the Justice Department confirming the case’s closure. Seized devices, allegedly containing exculpatory evidence, were returned. Powell criticized the raid as baseless, emphasizing the personal and professional toll it took.

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FBI Ends Probe on Kraken Co-Founder Jesse Powell

The FBI has ended its investigation into Jesse Powell, co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, and returned electronic devices seized during a 2023 search of his home. The probe centered on allegations that Powell hacked and cyberstalked the Verge Center for the Arts, a nonprofit he helped establish in 2008. Authorities confirmed the investigation was not linked to Powell’s role in the crypto industry or Kraken. The case’s closure marks the end of a legal chapter for Powell, whose involvement in the high-profile crypto sector had drawn attention.

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Binance Holds 100% Bitcoin Reserves for 30 Months

Binance has sustained a Bitcoin reserve ratio exceeding 100% for 30 straight months, as verified by its latest proof-of-reserve (PoR) snapshot. The exchange holds 616,886 BTC against customer net balances of 604,410 BTC, ensuring a 102% reserve ratio. This transparency initiative, launched after FTX’s collapse, is backed by third-party audits and on-chain verification. Analysts highlight Binance’s strong asset backing, with 603,374 BTC held on-chain and 13,512 BTC in third-party custody. Despite past rumors of BTC sales, independent audits confirm the exchange’s integrity. Additionally, Binance’s stablecoin reserves surged to $31 billion, reflecting strong liquidity. Meanwhile, BNB token shows steady growth, up 11.4% over 30 days, nearing its all-time high.

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Altcoin Price Predictions for February Stellar Dogecoin and Remittix Insights

Enthusiasts are eyeing Stellar, Dogecoin, and the newcomer Remittix (RTX) as potential altcoin stars for February. Stellar, priced around $0.4042, focuses on low-cost cross-border payments, while Dogecoin, near $0.33, thrives on meme culture and social media hype. Remittix, a rising PayFi altcoin, aims to revolutionize remittances with its innovative approach, having already raised over $9.5 million. Each token presents unique advantages, catering to different investor preferences in a rapidly evolving market.

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Jesse Powell Supports Roger Ver Amid Tax Evasion Charges and Calls for Trump Intervention

Jesse Powell, co-founder of Kraken, has voiced support for Bitcoin Cash advocate Roger Ver, who faces tax-related charges from the DOJ. Powell criticized the IRS’s evidence and suggested that the case may stem from personal animosity rather than legal grounds, calling for political intervention from Donald Trump. Ver, indicted for tax evasion and other charges, claims government harassment due to his pro-freedom stance and is seeking a presidential pardon, though his chances appear slim.

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