Crypto exchange Kraken is launching a new product, perpetual contracts. The announcement is the latest in a series of product expansions as the exchange prepares for a public listing as early as the first quarter of 2026, according to reports. Kraken's perpetual contracts, which will launch Thursday for eligible clients in select jurisdictions, are a type of futures contract that allows traders to place "high-certainty" bets on future events. Kraken notes that its perpetual contracts have several "built-in protections," including a stop-loss feature that limits potential downside losses if "the market moves in the opposite direction of your prediction." Initially, traders will be able to use their Kraken USD balances as collateral, with support for other assets to follow. (The Block)