Kraken hidden order type analysis: description of advanced functions such as iceberg orders

Kraken's hidden and iceberg orders help traders execute large crypto trades discreetly, minimizing market impact and maintaining a strategic edge.

Jun 10, 2025 at 08:08 pm

Introduction to Kraken's Advanced Order Types

Kraken, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, offers a variety of advanced order types to cater to the needs of both novice and experienced traders. Among these, hidden orders and iceberg orders stand out as sophisticated tools designed to enhance trading strategies. These order types allow traders to execute large orders without significantly impacting the market, thereby maintaining a competitive edge. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of these advanced functions, providing a comprehensive analysis of how they work and how they can be utilized effectively.

Understanding Hidden Orders on Kraken

Hidden orders, also known as invisible orders, are a type of order that does not appear in the public order book. This feature is particularly useful for traders who wish to buy or sell large quantities of cryptocurrency without revealing their intentions to the market. By keeping the order hidden, traders can avoid influencing the market price and reduce the risk of front-running by other market participants.

To place a hidden order on Kraken, follow these steps:

• Log in to your Kraken account and navigate to the trading interface.
• Select the trading pair you wish to trade.
• Click on the "New Order" button to open the order form.
• Choose "Hidden Order" from the order type options.
• Enter the desired quantity and price for your order.
• Review your order details and submit the order.

Once submitted, your hidden order will not be visible to other traders, allowing you to maintain discretion in your trading activities.

Exploring Iceberg Orders on Kraken

Iceberg orders are another advanced order type offered by Kraken, designed to execute large orders in smaller, visible portions. The term "iceberg" refers to the fact that only a small part of the order (the tip) is visible in the order book, while the bulk of the order (the submerged part) remains hidden. This allows traders to execute large orders without causing significant market impact.

To place an iceberg order on Kraken, follow these steps:

• Log in to your Kraken account and navigate to the trading interface.
• Select the trading pair you wish to trade.
• Click on the "New Order" button to open the order form.
• Choose "Iceberg Order" from the order type options.
• Enter the total quantity you wish to trade and the display quantity (the visible portion of the order).
• Set the desired price for your order.
• Review your order details and submit the order.

Once submitted, only the display quantity will be visible in the order book, while the remaining quantity will be executed as it matches with other orders.

Strategic Use of Hidden and Iceberg Orders

Both hidden and iceberg orders can be strategically used to manage large trades effectively. Hidden orders are particularly useful when you want to buy or sell a significant amount of cryptocurrency without alerting other market participants. For instance, if you believe that revealing your large order could drive the price against your favor, a hidden order allows you to execute your trade discreetly.

On the other hand, iceberg orders are ideal for traders who need to execute large orders over time without causing immediate market impact. By breaking down the order into smaller visible portions, you can gradually fill your order while minimizing the influence on the market price. This can be particularly advantageous in thinly traded markets where large orders could lead to significant price slippage.

Practical Examples of Hidden and Iceberg Orders

To illustrate the practical application of hidden and iceberg orders, consider the following scenarios:

• Scenario 1: Using a Hidden Order to Buy Bitcoin

  Suppose you want to buy 100 BTC without affecting the market price. By placing a hidden order, you can set your buy order at a specific price without it appearing in the order book. As other sellers match your price, your order will be filled gradually without alerting the market to your intentions.

• Scenario 2: Using an Iceberg Order to Sell Ethereum

  Imagine you need to sell 10,000 ETH but want to avoid causing a sharp price drop. You can place an iceberg order with a display quantity of 100 ETH at a time. As each 100 ETH portion is filled, another 100 ETH will become visible in the order book, allowing you to sell your entire position without significantly impacting the market.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While hidden and iceberg orders offer significant advantages, it's important to be aware of potential risks and considerations. Hidden orders may take longer to fill since they are not visible to other traders, which could lead to missed trading opportunities. Additionally, if the market moves away from your hidden order price, you may need to adjust your order to remain competitive.

Iceberg orders also come with their own set of considerations. If the market becomes aware of your iceberg order strategy, other traders may attempt to front-run your visible portions, potentially affecting your overall execution price. Therefore, it's crucial to monitor your orders closely and be prepared to adjust your strategy as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use hidden and iceberg orders on all trading pairs on Kraken?

A: Hidden and iceberg orders are available on most trading pairs on Kraken, but it's always best to check the specific trading pair you are interested in to confirm availability.

Q: Are there any fees associated with using hidden and iceberg orders on Kraken?

A: Kraken does not charge additional fees for using hidden or iceberg orders. However, standard trading fees will apply based on your account tier and trading volume.

Q: Can I modify or cancel a hidden or iceberg order after it has been placed?

A: Yes, you can modify or cancel both hidden and iceberg orders at any time before they are fully executed. Simply navigate to the "Open Orders" section of your Kraken account and select the order you wish to modify or cancel.

Q: How can I track the progress of my hidden or iceberg order?

A: You can track the progress of your hidden or iceberg order by monitoring the "Open Orders" section of your Kraken account. For iceberg orders, you will see the total quantity and the remaining quantity that has yet to be displayed and filled.