This article was first published on The Bit Journal. The native token of Pi Network recorded a sharp rally on Friday, climbing roughly 30% as market momentum intensified following a major exchange listing announcement. CoinGecko data indicated that the Pi Network token topped gains in the morning trading session in Asia following news that Kraken would support the asset.
Kraken Listing Boosts Pi Network Market Interest
The U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange confirmed the development in a post on X on Thursday, revealing that trading for the Pi token will begin on Friday. It is also launched one day earlier than Pi Day on March 14, which is also a symbolically significant date to the Pi Network community. Observers in the market think that the timing would also drive more retails to begin since users expect more attention to the milestone.
Coming soon: $PI@PiCoreTeam Pi Network is a mobile-first Layer-1 blockchain and developer platform enabling accessible crypto mining via smartphone, with a utility-based ecosystem on an identity-verified mainnet.
Trading starts March 13
Get ready → https://t.co/47fNCUnRqD pic.twitter.com/nPmrRElAPW
— Kraken Listings (@krakenlistings) March 12, 2026
The exchange, Kraken, is the second U.S.-based exchange to list the Pi token following OKX with the move. The asset is already listed on various offshore exchanges such as MEXC, Bitget, and Gate.io. The growing exchange support is broadly considered as an expansion strategy by Pi Network to expand globally and increase its accessibility to American investors gradually.
Pi Network Introduces Mobile-First Crypto Mining Model
Pi Network is the first mobile-first model compared to the traditional blockchain mining systems. The Pi Network project, rather than using energy-intensive proof-of-work mining, enables people to earn tokens by using a smartphone app by simply interacting daily and creating trust-based security circles. The system is based on a consensus mechanism which is based on Stellar Consensus Protocol developed to authenticate user identities and network integrity.
Pi Network planned to release an externally connected mainnet in February 2025 after a few years of operating in a significantly closed ecosystem. The Pi Network team announced approximately 19 million people who had undergone identity checking and approximately 10 million accounts had been successfully transferred to the live blockchain at the time.
Bybit CEO Rejects Pi Network Listing
Pi Network has also been criticized despite its fast user base and growing exchange support. In 2025, Ben Zhou, CEO of Bybit publicly dismissed the request to list the Pi token and called the project a scam. He cited a 2023 warning by Chinese authorities which alleged that Pi Network was targeting old users, collecting personal information, and was identified to have caused financial losses to some of the users.
Despite the ongoing controversy of the project, the most recent announcement to the listing seems to have sent the Pi token back to the top of the list of gainers, as investors place themselves in prime spots in anticipation of its launch on Kraken.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, the most recent listing on exchanges has brought back momentum to Pi Network, despite the varied views about the project. With the start of trading at Kraken, the investors will be keen to see the price dynamics and user sign-up, as these will tell whether the rally can be sustained and put the token in the wider crypto market.
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Summary
- Pi token jumped 30% after Kraken confirmed its listing ahead of Pi Day.
- The listing expands exchange support alongside OKX, MEXC, Bitget, and Gate.io.
- Criticism continues as Ben Zhou of Bybit previously called the project a scam.
Glossary of Key Terms
Pi Network: Mobile-first cryptocurrency project using app-based mining.
Kraken: U.S.-based crypto exchange listing PI Token.
OKX: Exchange supporting PI Token trading.
MEXC: Offshore crypto exchange listing PI Token.
Bitget: Exchange where PI Token is traded.
Gate.io: Offshore exchange for PI Token trading.
Bybit: Exchange whose CEO rejected PI Token listing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pi Network
1. Why did Pi token surge?
It jumped 30% after Kraken announced its listing ahead of Pi Day.
2. Where can Pi token be traded?
The token is listed on Kraken, OKX, MEXC, Bitget, and Gate.io.
3. How does Pi Network mining work?
Users earn tokens via a smartphone app through daily interactions and trust-based security circles.
4. Has Pi Network faced criticism?
Yes, Ben Zhou of Bybit called it a scam citing concerns over elderly users and financial losses.
References
Disclaimer
The article is purely informational and it is not a financial, investment, or a trading advice. Cryptocurrencies are extremely risky and volatile. Before investing, the readers are to conduct personal research and seek the advice of a qualified financial expert.
The price predictions and financial analysis presented on this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets means that prices can fluctuate significantly and unpredictably.
You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The Bit Journal does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided in the price predictions, and we will not be held liable for any losses incurred as a result of relying on this information.
Investing in cryptocurrencies carries risks, including the risk of significant losses. Always invest responsibly and within your means.
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