# Alpaca Markets > Alpaca is an API-first trading platform that empowers developers to build stock, options, and crypto trading applications. Supporting 24/5 market access and offering commission-free trading, it was founded in 2017. - Canonical URL: https://iq.wiki/wiki/alpaca-markets - Categories: Projects & Protocols - Tags: Infrastructure, RWA - Created: 2026-07-20T17:44:03.479Z - Last updated: 2026-07-21T15:44:07.185Z - Source: IQ.wiki — the world's largest blockchain and crypto encyclopedia (https://iq.wiki) --- **Alpaca Markets** is a developer-first trading platform offering APIs for stock, options, and [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) trading. Founded in 2015, 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) ## History Founded 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. In July 2026, Alpaca raised $135 million to accelerate its agent-first brokerage and API-first prime brokerage infrastructure. [\[2\]](#cite-id-jL8XSwyN3icICvwd) This expansion aligns with its strategy to streamline access to global markets through tokenization, reshaping financial applications and market participants. [\[3\]](#cite-id-cOzp3kS3NvoFPWj6)​ ## Products & Services Alpaca's product suite includes several APIs designed to cater to different trading needs: * 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) * 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) * 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) ## Technology The 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) This ensures a robust and secure environment for executing trades and managing portfolios. ## Investments and Funding Alpaca 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)​ Alpaca said it will use the new financing to accelerate its agent-first brokerage and API-first prime brokerage infrastructure. > “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] - (), co-founder and CEO of Alpaca. [\[2\]](#cite-id-jL8XSwyN3icICvwd) ## Partnerships and Collaborations Alpaca has forged partnerships with various financial and tech companies to expand its reach and capabilities. Notably, 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) This partnership reflects Alpaca’s growing influence in both the cryptocurrency and traditional finance sectors. [\[3\]](#cite-id-cOzp3kS3NvoFPWj6) ## Ecosystem and Adoption As a platform that caters to developers, Alpaca has been pivotal in democratizing access to financial trading services. Its open architecture and cutting-edge tools have attracted a wide range of fintech companies and developers looking to integrate trading capabilities into their platforms. This 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)​ ## Regulatory Compliance Alpaca 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) Furthermore, 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)​ In 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)