Kraken AI Agent Lets Retail Users Trade Like Pros With Plain English Commands

Kraken is rolling out a new AI agent trading feature embedded in its mobile app, as reported by CNBC. The concept is straightforward yet ambitious: allow an AI agent to track markets, identify opportunities, and execute orders based on user-defined goals.

How the Kraken AI Agent Works

The AI agent monitors the clock 24/7, flagging investment opportunities in real time according to the user's goals, risk appetite, and financial situation. However, nothing executes without human review: users can inspect AI-generated portfolio drafts, adjust them, and confirm before any trade takes place. That human checkpoint is especially important given crypto's notorious volatility.

Plain English, Professional Speed

Kamo Astaryan, Kraken's chief data officer, told CNBC: “In this new world, there's an opportunity for everyday people to become high-frequency traders and do so using plain English by just talking to their well informed best friend.” The goal is to give ordinary users market responsiveness comparable to professional traders, without requiring coding skills or complex chart reading.

Industry Context: Coinbase and Gemini Also Pushing AI

Kraken is not alone in this push. CNBC notes that Coinbase and Gemini have already introduced AI-assisted trading and developer tools. However, those platforms focus on assistive workflows—AI supports the trader's decisions rather than making them. Kraken is taking a bolder path with full agentic execution, where the AI monitors, decides, and acts within the boundaries set by the user. This puts more trust in the AI layer compared to competitors.

Why Now? Bear Market Demands New Engagement Drivers

The industry-wide AI push comes amid a prolonged cryptocurrency bear market, when exchanges are scrambling to boost user engagement and retention. AI agent trading lowers the skill barrier, encouraging everyday traders to stay active even when prices are sluggish.

Kraken's Earlier AI Moves

This announcement didn't come out of nowhere. In March 2026, Kraken quietly released an open-source CLI built for AI agents—an early signal that autonomous trading infrastructure had been on its roadmap. The app-based launch is a natural next step in that plan.

Expanding Asset Lineup and Broader Vision

Kraken is also actively expanding its listings, with projects like NatGold (NATG) teased as “Coming Soon.” Combined with AI agent trading, Kraken's app could evolve from a mere trading terminal into a full-fledged financial assistant that manages portfolios, discovers new opportunities, and executes across a growing range of assets.

Quick Comparison of Exchange AI Strategies

Founded in 2011, Kraken has weathered multiple market cycles. Betting on AI agents now signals it wants to lead the next cycle, not just survive it.