Gemini, the US-based cryptocurrency exchange, has obtained a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), enabling it to offer regulated crypto derivatives across the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). The license permits Gemini to provide select derivatives, such as perpetual futures, for advanced users, and is a key part of its 2025 European expansion plan. Gemini is working with regulators to satisfy the final conditions for a full-scale launch and aims to further acquire a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license to broaden its regulated services throughout EU member states.
This move reflects a wider industry trend: major crypto exchanges like Crypto.com, Kraken, and Coinbase are increasingly targeting Europe due to favorable and clear regulatory frameworks, especially under the EU's incoming MiCA regime. The growing legal clarity and demand from both institutional and retail investors make Europe a prime growth region for digital assets and derivatives trading. Gemini’s regulated approach is expected to attract European users seeking compliant alternatives to offshore platforms often operating in legal grey areas. The rollout will focus initially on experienced market participants and will occur gradually over the coming months.