Kraken has integrated its over-the-counter (OTC) desk with ICE Chat, the instant messaging platform operated by Intercontinental Exchange, giving institutional traders a direct way to contact Kraken from within their existing communication workflows. According to the announcement, ICE Chat serves a network of more than 120,000 clients, extending Kraken’s crypto liquidity into a widely used institutional environment.
The integration was announced on February 17, 2026. Kraken said the setup connects institutional trading desks to its deep liquidity across crypto spot and options markets. The company also described itself as the first cryptocurrency platform approved to connect to ICE Chat, a detail that underscores the growing alignment between digital asset venues and traditional market infrastructure.
Reducing friction for institutional access
Kraken and ICE said the partnership is designed to reduce operational friction and onboarding overhead by meeting traders where they already work. For institutions that rely on established messaging systems for price discovery, execution discussions, and audit-friendly communication, direct access to crypto OTC services inside an existing platform could simplify market participation.
ICE Chat also offers features such as AI-powered Smart Text Recognition, which can support compliant, actionable communication and data extraction. Kraken added that both companies expect to expand the integration into additional initiatives over time. Gurpreet Oberoi, Head of Kraken Institutional, said the move “opens a direct line into core institutional workflows,” highlighting Kraken’s push to align crypto market liquidity with established financial market infrastructure.