This approval is a critical step for Gemini, who has chosen Malta as the EU hub for MICA applications, allowing Gemini to provide customers with permanent futures contracts and options across the EU and EEA.
Crypto Exchange Gemini has been granted principle approval for investment company licenses from Malta’s financial regulatory authorities.
In a blog post, Gemini’s Europe Head Mark Jennings announced the news on February 11th. This step marks a key moment for the crypto exchange that chose Malta as the EU hub of the market for crypto assets (MICA) applications.
Jennings said that once the principles license is granted, Gemini can offer permanent futures contracts and options across the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) in the Financial Instruments Directive II (MIFID II) market.
“Achieving in-principles approval represents a critical step in Europe’s expansion strategy in 2025,” Jennings added.
Expansion to Europe
Gemini’s principled approval occurs when more organizations rely on Europe to expand their services.
Since the EU’s MICA regulations were fully rolled out at the end of 2024, more and more cryptographic platforms and service providers have already been approved. With MICA approval, providers can provide products and services at the EEA.
Fully MICA licensed companies include Bitpanda, Boerse Stuttgart Digital, Circle, Coinbase, Crypto.com, MoonPay and OKX.
