tl;dr
Gemini has received in-principle approval from Malta's financial regulator for an investment firm license, paving the way for regulated crypto services across the European Economic Area. The approval aligns with Gemini's strategy for European expansion, with plans to use Malta as its base for offeri...
Gemini has received in-principle approval from Malta's financial regulator for an investment firm license, paving the way for regulated crypto services across the European Economic Area. This approval aligns with Gemini's strategy for European expansion, with plans to use Malta as its base for offering compliant and secure crypto services, including regulated futures and options trading.
The regulatory progress reflects a broader trend of crypto firms strengthening their European presence ahead of the full implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework in 2023, aimed at standardizing regulations and enhancing consumer protections in the EU.
This regulatory milestone aligns with Gemini’s broader strategy to establish a stronger European foothold. The exchange plans to use Malta as its primary base for its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) application. A full MiCA license would allow Gemini to provide compliant and secure crypto services throughout the region.
Additionally, obtaining the full investment firm license would enable Gemini to offer regulated futures and options under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II), including perpetual futures trading across Europe, catering to growing institutional and retail demand.
Gemini's expansion in Europe mirrors a larger trend of crypto firms strengthening their presence in the region ahead of MiCA's full implementation, aiming to standardize regulations and enhance consumer protections across the EU.
The framework is designed to standardize regulations across the EU by enhancing consumer protections and reducing regulatory fragmentation. It would also make it easier for crypto firms to operate across multiple jurisdictions under a single regulatory order.