Since June 23, 2025, Kraken has implemented new requirements for business accounts, aligning with the strictest EMI (Electronic Money Institution) regulations. These regulations include comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Due Diligence (DD) procedures, which significantly impact how businesses can establish and maintain their accounts. As a result, many accounts have been blocked or frozen, with Kraken now closely scrutinizing businesses for full compliance with these rules.
With the introduction of these strict standards, it is no longer possible to simply create a Kraken business account. The process now mirrors the regulatory requirements faced by financial institutions.
Only businesses with completely transparent︀ and compliant operations are likely to successfully operate within Kraken's system. Those with any history︁ of incomplete documentation or non-compliance are facing heightened scrutiny, making it extremely difficult to maintain︂ an account without a fully compliant setup.
The following are some of the specific requirements︃ Kraken is now enforcing:
- Business and Industry Information:
Kraken requires detailed clarification on the services︄ provided by the business and the industry it operates in. Businesses must explain the nature︅ of their services, target client base, and geographic locations. This information is essential for Kraken︆ to assess whether the business fits within approved categories under their compliance framework.
- Proof of︇ Business Address:
Kraken requests documentation that proves both the registered and operational addresses of the︈ business. This must be dated within the last 90 days and can include documents such︉ as bank statements, utility bills, or lease agreements. The address must match the registered location︊ provided by the company and must be verifiable through official records.
- Director and Ownership Information:︋
Kraken requires businesses to provide accurate and up-to-date information on company directors and ownership. This︌ includes confirming that the information listed on official company records, such as Companies House, matches︍ Kraken's records. If there are discrepancies in the director or Person with Significant Control (PSC),︎ Kraken will require updated share registry documentation or a Companies House registration extract, such as️ the IN01 or CS01 form, to verify share ownership and control.
- DBA (Doing Business As) Information:
If a business operates under a DBA name, Kraken will require official documentation proving the registration of that trade name with the relevant regulatory body. If the business does not have such documentation, Kraken may require the DBA to be removed from the account, and the account can only be funded under the official company name.
- Service and Supplier Information:
Kraken asks for more detailed information about the business's services, suppliers, and clients. This includes information on the countries where suppliers are located and the geographical areas in which︀ clients reside. Kraken also requests details about how the business attracts clients and any online︁ presence beyond the company's main website. This helps Kraken assess the business's operations and any︂ associated risks.
These stringent measures reflect Kraken’s efforts to ensure compliance with international regulatory standards,︃ including preventing money laundering and other illicit activities. The introduction of AML, KYC, and DD︄ procedures has made Kraken’s platform much more challenging for businesses that cannot provide comprehensive and︅ compliant documentation.
As a result, businesses looking to maintain accounts with Kraken must meet a︆ much higher standard of transparency.
This means that only businesses with a clean track record︇ and full compliance with these regulations will be able to operate smoothly. For those with︈ incomplete documentation or irregularities in their business structure, Kraken's new policies may make it difficult,︉ if not impossible, to maintain an account.
In conclusion, Kraken’s implementation of the strictest EMI︊ regulations marks a significant shift in how business accounts are managed on the platform. Moving︋ forward, businesses that wish to operate with Kraken must ensure they have a spotless record︌ and meet all required compliance standards.
Those that fail to meet these standards will find︍ it increasingly difficult to maintain their accounts. The new AML, KYC, and DD regulations serve︎ as a clear signal that only businesses with transparent, compliant operations will be able to️ succeed on Kraken’s platform.