TLDR:
- Gemini has been given preliminary approval by Malta's financial authorities for an investment firm license, setting the stage for Malta to function as its EU hub for the MiCA initiative.
- Once fully approved, Gemini will be able to offer a range of regulated futures and options trading under the MiFID II guidance across the European Economic Area.
- This expansion is tailored to cater to the rising demand for cryptocurrency derivatives trading among European institutions.
- This strategic move is a part of Gemini’s wider 2025 goal to broaden its footprint in Europe, aiming to offer perpetual futures contracts.
- Leading exchanges such as Coinbase, Kraken, Crypto.com, and OKX are also stepping up their European operations as MiCA adoption nears.
Cryptocurrency exchange Gemini has received conditional endorsement from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) for an investment firm license, as announced by the company on February 11, 2025. This approval is a crucial phase in Gemini's strategy to extend its reach throughout the European Economic Area (EEA).
The approval from Malta enables Gemini to roll out regulated cryptocurrency services across Europe, utilizing Malta as their principal location for MiCA submissions, allowing Europe-wide operations under a single regulatory standard. has selected Malta Mark Jennings, overseeing Europe for Gemini, provided insight into this approval through a company blog post. He noted that, with a full license, Gemini could deliver perpetual futures and options trading under MiFID II norms.
Gemini is expanding to meet the escalating appeal for cryptocurrency derivatives, especially among institutional backers, planning to integrate these new offerings with their current services like spot market exchange, ActiveTrader™, and both OTC and eOTC platforms.
This forms part of Gemini’s expansive European strategy for 2025. The company is determined to anchor a more solid presence while ensuring conformance with European legislation.
The regulatory approval process in Malta MiCA, initiated by the European Union in 2023, offers the first sweeping regulatory scheme for digital currencies in a major economic bloc. The framework saw complete rollout by the end of 2024, introducing consistent regulations across the EU.
The new rules aim to shield consumers and diminish regulatory disparities among nations. Standardizing these regulations facilitates cross-jurisdictional operations for crypto firms.
Gemini's move mirrors a larger pattern within the crypto industry, with many big exchanges striving to boost their European engagements. Entities like Coinbase, Kraken, Crypto.com, and OKX are making waves to enhance their presence there.
Other Companies Expanding in Europe
Numerous firms have obtained complete MiCA licenses to function in Europe, including Bitpanda, Boerse Stuttgart Digital, Circle, Coinbase, Crypto.com, MoonPay, and OKX.
The investment firm license, once fully ratified, will let Gemini extend futures and options deals to both individual and institutional clientele across Europe, addressing the climbing demand for crypto derivatives.
Gemini's roster of offerings currently covers its direct cryptocurrency trading platform. The platform also delivers premium services via its OTC trading deck, catering to high-volume transactions outside conventional exchanges.
ActiveTrader™ supplies sophisticated trading tools for adept users, whereas the eOTC system provides electronic trading choices for institutional players. These will remain alongside the incoming derivatives trading.
The Malta approval pathway encompasses various stages, with the preliminary approval being a vital milestone. Gemini must fulfill more conditions to receive the final investment firm license.
A precise timeline for their new European services roll-out is yet to be declared. Still, the approval sequence and operational readiness typically span several months.
Editor-in-Chief at Blockonomi and the mastermind behind Kooc Media, a UK-based online media firm. A proponent of Open Source, Blockchain tech, and Internet accessibility for everyone.
