{"id":"alpaca-markets","title":"Alpaca Markets","content":"**Alpaca Markets** is a developer-first trading platform offering APIs for stock, options, and [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) trading. Founded in 2017, Alpaca is known for enabling developers to create trading applications with ease, providing commission-free and 24/5 market access across various asset classes including US stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-EeJRHfnTFGK5PXnX) [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-evgwDjUDJhe3F9pF) \n\n## History\n\nFounded by [Yoshi Yokokawa](https://iq.wiki/wiki/yoshi-yokokawa) and [Hiroshi Harada](https://iq.wiki/wiki/hiroshi-harada), Alpaca was established in 2017 with the vision of simplifying financial market access for developers through an API-centric approach. Over the years, the company has expanded its services, including the integration of AI-based trading capabilities and tokenization of assets. \n\nIn July 2026, Alpaca raised $135 million to accelerate its agent-first brokerage and API-first prime brokerage infrastructure. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-jL8XSwyN3icICvwd) \n\nThis expansion aligns with its strategy to streamline access to global markets through tokenization, reshaping financial applications and market participants. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-cOzp3kS3NvoFPWj6)​\n\n## Products & Services\n\nAlpaca's product suite includes several APIs designed to cater to different trading needs:\n\n* Broker API: This offers a complete end-to-end brokerage platform with resources like webinars, eBooks, and guides. It is designed to facilitate easy connection for fintech startups and established financial institutions. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-cOzp3kS3NvoFPWj6)\n* Trading API: It allows users to execute trading algorithms with tools like TradingView for charting, and access to real-time market data. The API supports algorithmic trading, trading insights powered by AI, and 24/5 trading access, catering to both retail and institutional clients. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-cOzp3kS3NvoFPWj6)\n* Microservices for Tokenization: Alpaca has developed a network enabling the tokenization of equities to trade as one connected market. This allows for instant in-kind mint/redemption, providing deep liquidity and 24/7 access. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-cOzp3kS3NvoFPWj6)\n\n## Technology\n\nThe technology underpinning Alpaca's platform is designed to facilitate seamless integration with various trading systems. The platform adheres to high security standards being ISO 27001:2022 certified and SOC 2 Type II compliant. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-cOzp3kS3NvoFPWj6) \n\nThis ensures a robust and secure environment for executing trades and managing portfolios.\n\n## Investments and Funding\n\nAlpaca has been supported by significant investments from notable parties. In addition to the recent 300 million in debt financing from Payward, [Kraken](https://iq.wiki/wiki/kraken)’s parent company, and BMO. Earlier in the year, Alpaca raised 1.15 billion. Investors include BNP Paribas, [Kraken](https://iq.wiki/wiki/kraken), Peak XV Partners, and several others. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-EeJRHfnTFGK5PXnX)​\n\nAlpaca said it will use the new financing to accelerate its agent-first brokerage and API-first prime brokerage infrastructure.\n\n> “As tokenization reshapes access to global markets and AI accelerates the creation of new financial applications and market participants, demand is growing for regulated infrastructure built for this paradigm shift,” said [Yoshi Yokokawa](https://iq.wiki/wiki/yoshi-yokokawa), co-founder and CEO of Alpaca. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-jL8XSwyN3icICvwd) \n\n## Partnerships and Collaborations\n\nAlpaca has forged partnerships with various financial and tech companies to expand its reach and capabilities. \n\nNotably, it has collaborated with [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) via a revenue-sharing agreement to provide brokerage, clearing, and custody infrastructure for [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance)’s stock trading products. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-jL8XSwyN3icICvwd) [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-8H4D3KQX8mKyeA9Y)  \n\nThis partnership reflects Alpaca’s growing influence in both the cryptocurrency and traditional finance sectors. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-cOzp3kS3NvoFPWj6) \n\n## Ecosystem and Adoption\n\nAs a platform that caters to developers, Alpaca has been pivotal in democratizing access to financial trading services. \n\nIts open architecture and cutting-edge tools have attracted a wide range of fintech companies and developers looking to integrate trading capabilities into their platforms. \n\nThis has led to increased adoption by fintech startups, digital wallets, hedge funds, and robo-advisors, making Alpaca a central figure in the financial trading API ecosystem. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-cOzp3kS3NvoFPWj6)​\n\n## Regulatory Compliance\n\nAlpaca operates with strict adherence to regulatory standards. It is a member of FINRA and SIPC, providing regulatory protection and confidence to its users. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-cOzp3kS3NvoFPWj6) \n\nFurthermore, Alpaca Crypto LLC, a subsidiary offering cryptocurrency services, is registered as a Money Services Business with FinCEN, underscoring its commitment to regulatory compliance in the digital asset space. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-cOzp3kS3NvoFPWj6)​\n\nIn summary, Alpaca Markets is a pioneer in broker infrastructure for modern financial services, leveraging technology to reshape access to various trading markets through secure and comprehensive APIs. Its continued growth and strategic partnerships are a testament to its innovative approach and commitment to expanding the reach of financial services globally. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-EeJRHfnTFGK5PXnX) ","summary":"Alpaca is an API-first trading platform that empowers developers to build stock, options, and crypto trading applications. 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