Gemini has taken a significant step forward in its European expansion strategy by securing in-principle approval for an Investment Firm license in Malta.
According to a February 11 blog post, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) ‘s approval paves the way for the company to offer regulated crypto derivatives, including perpetual futures, across the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA).
While the approval is subject to the MFSA’s pre-authorization requirements, once fully granted, it will allow Gemini to operate under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II), the regulatory framework governing traditional financial markets in the region.
This approval marks a crucial step in Gemini’s broader efforts to expand its European footprint. The company has been steadily increasing its offerings, providing services that include a spot exchange supporting over 90 digital assets, an ActiveTrader platform with more than 80 trading pairs, and specialized trading solutions such as an OTC desk and an eOTC system for institutional clients.
Mark Jennings, Gemini’s Head of Europe, emphasized the significance of this achievement, describing it as
“Receiving preliminary approval for an investment license is a milestone in our commitment to offering a high-quality service for both retail and institutional investors.”
He also highlighted the growing institutional interest in crypto derivatives, noting that digital assets are increasingly recognized as legitimate.
Notably, Gemini has chosen Malta as its central hub for its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) application. Once approved, Gemini can provide regional services under a unified regulatory framework. They have also expanded its operations by launching in France in November 2024, allowing users to open accounts and trade cryptocurrencies. CEO Gillian Lynch highlighted a growing interest in digital assets among French consumers. The exchange made several key senior hires in early 2025 to support its growth in Europe and enhance its leadership team amid changing regulations.
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