Is Kraken a Scam? Regulation Check 2026
The Kraken entry was pulled from the AUSTRAC register. This is what the public record returns.
Verdict
The record clears Kraken: it holds AUSTRAC licence Registered, which clears it to offer trading in Australia.
How to verify on the official register
| Regulator | AUSTRAC AUSTRAC |
| Licence Number | Registered |
| Regulated Entity | Bit Trade Pty Ltd |
| Founded | 2011 |
What AUSTRAC regulation means
Under AUSTRAC, an exchange must ring-fence client funds in segregated accounts, carry negative balance protection, and open its books to independent audit. A complaint can be filed with AUSTRAC directly.
What the AUSTRAC registration buys you
- Client funds ring-fenced in segregated accounts, apart from Kraken's own capital
- Negative balance protection, so a loss cannot run past the deposit
- A direct line to AUSTRAC for a complaint should Kraken leave one unresolved
- Independent financial audits of Kraken, run on a schedule under AUSTRAC oversight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kraken a scam or legitimate?
The record clears Kraken. It holds AUSTRAC licence Registered, and AUSTRAC ranks among the most respected financial regulators — the entry confirms in public on the AUSTRAC register.
How do I check Kraken's AUSTRAC licence?
Open the official AUSTRAC site and run its register search. Key in licence Registered or the entity name; the entry returns Kraken's authorisation status and the exact scope of its permissions.
Are my funds safe with Kraken?
Under AUSTRAC, Kraken is required to hold client funds in segregated bank accounts, walled off from company money — cover that stands even if Kraken runs into trouble.
What protection do I have as a Kraken client in Australia?
In Australia, Kraken answers to AUSTRAC. On the record that means segregated client funds, negative balance protection (losses cannot run past your deposit), and a direct channel to file a complaint with AUSTRAC.
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