Kraken Ink: the network and its DeFi ecosystem
Ink is an Ethereum Layer 2 launched by Kraken. Explore its purpose, network features, DeFi applications and the distinction between INK token plans and Ink Points.
Ink is infrastructure for onchain applications rather than a product you sign up for. Users reach it through a wallet to swap, lend and trade; it is neither a Kraken exchange account nor a single DeFi product.
Background and purpose
Kraken announced Ink on October 24, 2024, and opened mainnet on December 18, ahead of its initial Q1 2025 target. Built with the OP Stack and part of Optimism’s Superchain, Ink aims to make moving from exchange services to DeFi easier and give developers an environment for financial applications. Kraken’s involvement does not mean it guarantees every application deployed on the network.
Position among Ethereum networks
Base, incubated by Coinbase, is the closest comparison: both connect an exchange ecosystem with Ethereum-based applications. The parallel covers distribution and purpose only; it says nothing about whether their technology or risks match. Ink's focus is DeFi. Ethereum remains the settlement layer underneath, and Ink competes with other L2s for users, developers and liquidity instead of replacing Ethereum.
Network features
Ink supports EVM-compatible contracts, allowing developers to reuse familiar Ethereum tools. Mainnet uses ETH as its native gas asset and chain ID 57073. Fees include L2 execution and publication of data to Ethereum, so they can change with congestion. Fast confirmations do not make every bridge withdrawal immediate. Users must check the selected bridge’s route, costs and waiting period.
| Application | Purpose | What to examine |
|---|---|---|
| Tydro | An Aave-powered lending protocol for supplying assets or borrowing against collateral. | Supply rates vary and withdrawals require available liquidity. Borrowers can be liquidated if their health factor falls below 1. |
| Nado | An orderbook DEX combining spot, margin and perpetual trading through unified margin. | Matching uses an offchain sequencer, with onchain risk management and settlement on Ink. Leverage and shared collateral create liquidation risk. |
| Uniswap | An AMM for token swaps and liquidity provision on Ink, listed in the network’s application directory. | Compare pool depth, slippage and fees. Providing liquidity adds exposure to changing asset prices and smart-contract risk. |
INK plans and Ink Points
In a July 24, 2025 announcement, Kraken said INK will be issued by a subsidiary of the Ink Foundation and airdropped through Kraken Drops to eligible active clients and ecosystem participants, with further details to follow as milestones are reached. The official sources cited here give no launch date or claim window. Ink's undated documentation FAQ still says there is no token information to share; Kraken's dated announcement is the more specific statement. Ink Points on Kraken Pro are separate: non-tokenized, non-redeemable loyalty points with no cash value, subject to regional restrictions that include exclusion of the UK. Holding points does not guarantee a token allocation, and ETH remains the network's documented gas asset.
Using the ecosystem
These applications are useful starting points for understanding Ink, not a safety or return ranking. Open them through the official directory, check supported assets and approvals, and test a small transfer with enough ETH for fees. Lending introduces collateral and liquidity risks; leveraged trading can lose collateral; bridges and contracts add technical risks. Evaluate products by actual costs, exit conditions and risk controls, rather than spending money solely to chase a possible airdrop.
Sources
- Kraken: announcing Ink ↗
- Kraken: Ink mainnet launch ↗
- Ink Docs: FAQ ↗
- Ink Docs: network information ↗
- Ink Docs: transaction fees ↗
- Coinbase: introduction to Base ↗
- Ink: application directory ↗
- Tydro: lending and liquidation conditions ↗
- Nado: trading architecture and features ↗
- Kraken: INK token plans ↗
- Kraken: introducing Ink Points ↗
- Ink Docs: bridge options ↗
KRAKEN REFERRAL CODE 2026
| Product | Trading Rebate |
|---|---|
| Spot Trading | 20% |
| Margin Trading | 20% |
| Futures | 20% |
| Tokenized Equity | 20% |
| PTL Trading | 20% |
| Prop, first purchase | 20% |
| Rollover | 20% |
| Options | 20% |
Available rewards are confirmed during registration.
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