Verdict
Higher trust score: NordBastion
Based on our trust scoring, NordBastion comes out ahead of Kraken (8.6 vs 4.8). The gap reflects differences in KYC stance, custody model and operational track record.
Note: Scores are our independent assessment. Both services have valid use cases — read each detail page before deciding.
Score breakdown
Overall /10
Kraken
4.8
Weak
NordBastion
8.6
Good
Privacy /100
Kraken
2
Poor
NordBastion
87
Good
Trust /100
Kraken
68
Average
NordBastion
84
Good
Side by side
KYC level
L5Mandatory
L1Anonymous
Tagline
Veteran US-regulated exchange founded 2011 with 600+ assets, full mandatory KYC, and bi-annual proof-of-reserves audits — listed here as a comparison baseline for custodial KYC platforms, not as a no-KYC option.
Privacy-first VPS and dedicated servers across four Nordic jurisdictions (Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo, Reykjavík). No ID at signup, paid in twelve cryptocurrencies, monthly-signed warrant canary.
Jurisdiction
United States
EE (operator) · SE/FI/NO/IS (infra)
Founded
2011
2023
Tor / .onion
No
No
Categories
Exchange
VPS, Hosting
Feature comparison 10
Kraken
NordBastion
Bitcoin (BTC)
Accepts Monero (XMR)
—
Lightning Network
—
Accepts fiat
—
Mobile app
—
Web app
Instant
—
Available worldwide
—
Custodial
—
Requires email
Read the full reviews
The side-by-side covers the headlines — the detail pages walk through every claim and citation.