Gemini receives in-principle MiFID II license approval to expand crypto derivatives in Europe
Gemini receives in-principle MiFID II license approval
Cryptocurrency exchange Gemini has received in-principle approval for an Investment Firm license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). This approval will enable the company to offer regulated futures and options trading across the European Economic Area (EEA) under the MiFID II directive.
Gemini’s European expansion
Securing this approval is a crucial step in Gemini’s 2025 European market expansion strategy. The exchange previously selected Malta as its main European hub and applied for compliance with the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation. Once approved, this will allow Gemini to continue offering its secure and regulated services across Europe.
Mark Jennings, Head of Europe at Gemini, stated:
«Receiving in-principle approval for an Investment License is a key milestone in our commitment to providing best-in-class solutions for retail and institutional investors. Demand for crypto derivatives, particularly from institutions, has grown significantly in recent years as crypto assets mature into a recognized asset class.»
What will change after the license approval?
Once officially granted, Gemini will be able to offer perpetual futures—futures contracts without an expiry date—to advanced traders and institutional clients throughout the EU and EEA. This will complement the exchange’s existing services, which include spot trading of 90+ digital assets, the ActiveTrader platform with 80+ trading pairs, and an OTC desk for large-scale transactions.
Growing trend of MiFID II licensing among crypto exchanges
Gemini is not the only exchange seeking to expand its footprint in crypto derivatives through regulated European licenses. Similar approvals were recently obtained by Coinbase and Kraken, both of which acquired financial firms in Cyprus. However, industry experts speculate that these exchanges may eventually venture into the CFD (contract for difference) market, similar to Crypto.com, which has already taken that step in Australia.
