How to participate in Kraken's market maker program?

Joining Kraken's market maker program can be profitable; it requires consistent order placement, meeting trading volume thresholds, and adherence to exchange rules.

Apr 23, 2025 at 09:15 am

Participating in Kraken's market maker program can be a lucrative opportunity for those looking to enhance liquidity and earn rebates on their trading activities. This program is designed to incentivize traders who provide liquidity to the Kraken exchange, helping to ensure smooth and efficient trading for all users. In this article, we will guide you through the steps and requirements to join and succeed in Kraken's market maker program.

Understanding Kraken's Market Maker Program

Kraken's market maker program is aimed at traders who are willing to consistently place buy and sell orders on the exchange, thereby increasing the market's liquidity. Market makers are essential to any exchange as they help narrow the bid-ask spread, which benefits all traders by reducing trading costs. By participating in this program, you can earn rebates on the fees you pay for your trading activities, making it a potentially profitable endeavor.

To join the program, you must meet certain criteria set by Kraken, which include maintaining a certain level of trading activity and adhering to specific trading behaviors. The program is open to both individual traders and institutional clients, but the requirements may vary depending on your status.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for Kraken's market maker program, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Trading Volume: You must maintain a minimum monthly trading volume. The exact volume required can vary, but typically, you need to show a significant level of activity to qualify.
• Order Book Presence: You need to consistently place orders on the order book. This means maintaining a presence on both the buy and sell sides of the market.
• Liquidity Provision: You should contribute to the liquidity of the market by placing orders that are close to the market price and are of sufficient size to be meaningful.
• Compliance: You must adhere to Kraken's trading policies and guidelines, ensuring that your trading activities are compliant with the exchange's rules.

If you meet these criteria, you can apply to join the program. Kraken reviews applications and may reach out to you for additional information or to discuss your trading strategy.

Application Process

To apply for Kraken's market maker program, follow these steps:

• Visit the Kraken Website: Navigate to the Kraken website and find the section dedicated to the market maker program. This is usually found under the "Trading" or "Professional" sections.
• Fill Out the Application Form: You will need to fill out an application form with your personal details, trading experience, and the assets you intend to trade. Be thorough and honest in your application.
• Submit Required Documentation: Depending on your status as an individual or institutional trader, you may need to submit additional documentation, such as proof of identity, trading history, or financial statements.
• Wait for Approval: After submitting your application, Kraken will review it. This process can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the volume of applications they receive.

Once approved, you will receive an email confirmation and instructions on how to proceed with your market making activities.

Strategies for Success

To succeed in Kraken's market maker program, consider the following strategies:

• Consistent Order Placement: Place orders regularly to maintain a strong presence on the order book. This not only helps you meet the program's requirements but also ensures that you are contributing to the market's liquidity.
• Monitor Market Conditions: Keep an eye on market trends and adjust your orders accordingly. Being responsive to market changes can help you maximize your rebates and minimize losses.
• Diversify Your Trading: Consider trading multiple assets to spread your risk and increase your chances of earning rebates. Diversification can also help you maintain a more stable trading volume.
• Use Automated Trading Tools: Many successful market makers use automated trading bots to place and manage their orders. These tools can help you maintain a consistent presence on the order book and react quickly to market changes.

By implementing these strategies, you can increase your chances of success in Kraken's market maker program and maximize your earnings.

Earning Rebates and Managing Fees

One of the main benefits of participating in Kraken's market maker program is the opportunity to earn rebates on your trading fees. Here's how it works:

• Fee Structure: Kraken charges different fees for makers and takers. As a market maker, you place orders that add liquidity to the market, and thus, you are eligible for maker fees, which are typically lower than taker fees.
• Rebate Calculation: The rebates you earn are based on your trading volume and the fees you pay. The more you trade and the more liquidity you provide, the higher your rebates will be.
• Managing Fees: To maximize your rebates, it's important to manage your fees effectively. This includes understanding the fee structure, keeping track of your trading volume, and adjusting your trading strategy to minimize costs.

By carefully managing your fees and trading activities, you can significantly reduce your trading costs and increase your profitability.

Monitoring and Reporting

As a participant in Kraken's market maker program, it's important to monitor your performance and report your activities accurately. Here are some tips:

• Use Kraken's Dashboard: Kraken provides a dashboard that allows you to track your trading volume, fees, and rebates. Make sure to check this regularly to stay informed about your performance.
• Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of your trading activities, including the orders you place, the assets you trade, and the fees you pay. This can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with the program's requirements.
• Report Issues: If you encounter any issues or have questions about the program, don't hesitate to reach out to Kraken's support team. They can provide guidance and help you resolve any problems you may face.

By staying vigilant and proactive, you can ensure that you are meeting the program's requirements and maximizing your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I participate in Kraken's market maker program as a new trader?

A: While Kraken's market maker program is open to new traders, you will need to demonstrate a certain level of trading activity and experience to qualify. If you are new to trading, it may be beneficial to gain some experience and build up your trading volume before applying.

Q: Are there any risks associated with participating in the market maker program?

A: Yes, like any trading activity, there are risks involved. Market makers can face losses if the market moves against their positions. It's important to manage your risk carefully and use strategies like stop-loss orders to protect your capital.

Q: How often are rebates paid out?

A: Rebates are typically calculated and paid out on a monthly basis. However, the exact timing can vary, so it's important to check Kraken's terms and conditions for the most up-to-date information.

Q: Can I participate in the market maker program for multiple cryptocurrencies?

A: Yes, you can participate in the market maker program for multiple cryptocurrencies. In fact, trading multiple assets can help you diversify your risk and increase your chances of earning rebates.