Gemini receives in-principle approval for an investment firm license in Malta

The approval marks a significant step for Gemini which has picked Malta as its EU hub for its MiCA application
Gemini will be able to offer customers perpetual futures contracts and options throughout the EU and the EEA
A growing number of crypto platforms are expanding their services to Europe

Crypto exchange Gemini has been granted in-principle approval for an investment firm license from Malta’s financial regulator.

In a blog post, Mark Jennings, Gemini’s head of Europe, announced the news on February 11. The step marks a significant moment for the crypto exchange which has picked Malta as its EU hub for its Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) application.

Jennings said that once the in-principle license is granted, Gemini will be able to offer perpetual futures contracts and options throughout the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II).

“Achieving in-principle approval marks a crucial step in our 2025 European expansion strategy,” Jennings added.

Expanding into Europe

Gemini’s in-principle approval comes at a time when more organizations are turning to Europe to expand their services.

Since the full rollout of the MiCA regulation in the EU at the end of 2024, a growing number of crypto platforms and service providers have already received approval. The approval of MiCA enables providers to offer their products and services in the EEA.

Companies that have received full MiCA licenses include Bitpanda, Boerse Stuttgart Digital, Circle, Coinbase, Crypto.com, MoonPay, and OKX.