TLDR
- Gemini received regulatory approval under MiFID II to offer crypto derivatives in the European Union.
- The Malta Financial Services Authority issued the license to Gemini’s Maltese entity on May 8.
- The new license allows Gemini to provide advanced users with perpetual futures and other derivatives.
- Gemini plans to launch these products across the EU and EEA once all operational conditions are met.
- The exchange has not yet received its full Markets in Crypto-Assets license.
Gemini has secured a regulatory license to expand its crypto derivatives trading across the European Union and European Economic Area. The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) granted the license under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) framework. This approval allows Gemini to offer regulated derivatives products to advanced European users.
The exchange continues strengthening its presence in the European market by acquiring this critical MiFID II license. Once operational conditions are met, Gemini will use the license to offer perpetual futures and other derivatives. The license was officially issued to its local entity, Gemini Intergalactic EU Artemis, on May 8.
Gemini confirmed it will begin derivatives trading once all regulatory conditions in the EU and EEA are satisfied. The firm plans to provide institutional and retail users access through its regulated platform. Gemini’s head of Europe stated the exchange is working toward a full-scale rollout in the coming months.
Gemini Receives MiFID II License from MFSA
Gemini’s new MiFID II license enables it to offer a wide range of crypto derivatives in a regulated environment. This development marks a major regulatory step forward as it targets further expansion into European financial markets. The license allows Gemini to compete directly with established platforms in the derivatives sector.
The MFSA granted the license after Gemini fulfilled the necessary compliance requirements for operating within the MiFID II structure. The firm registered its Maltese entity to handle its regulated business activities in the region. The MFSA listing shows that Gemini is now approved to provide derivatives under EU rules.
Gemini aims to finalize internal preparations before launching its derivatives products for advanced traders. These offerings are expected to align with the MFSA’s high standards of regulatory oversight. Gemini’s European strategy includes a phased rollout to meet all operational conditions.
MiCA License Still Pending as Expansion Progresses
Gemini continues to wait for its full license under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. While MiFID II covers derivatives, the MiCA license is necessary for a broader virtual asset service rollout. Gemini selected Malta as its MiCA hub to lead its regulatory compliance strategy in the EU.
The exchange has progressed, registering as a virtual asset service provider with six EU authorities, including Malta’s MFSA. Gemini expects MiCA licensing to strengthen its ability to operate across all digital asset services. However, the MiCA process remains underway, with no final approval announced yet.
Gemini’s compliance-driven approach positions it to expand alongside evolving EU regulations. The firm’s regulatory focus reflects growing competition among exchanges seeking access to European markets. Gemini remains committed to launching a fully regulated crypto derivatives platform in the region.
Derivatives Push Aligns with Industry Trends
Gemini’s push into derivatives comes amid broader consolidation in the crypto derivatives sector by major global exchanges. On May 8, Coinbase announced its $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, a major derivatives platform. This move signals increasing interest in derivatives as a strategic product offering.
Kraken also confirmed its plan to acquire NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion to expand its derivatives trading capabilities.
Big welcome to the NinjaTrader team!@krakenfx and @NinjaTrader combine for the largest Tradfi + Crypto acquisition in history.
Looking forward to great things ahead for the future of finance.https://t.co/vFADuJqwwB
— Dave Ripley (@DavidLRipley) March 20, 2025
These acquisitions indicate a growing demand for crypto derivatives among advanced market participants. Gemini’s license enables it to compete directly with larger European exchanges.
