Gemini Secures MiCA License from Malta Regulator for EU Operations

Gemini just unlocked the entire EU market with a single regulatory masterstroke.

The Malta Financial Services Authority granted the exchange its MiCA license—making Gemini one of the first major platforms to comply with Europe's sweeping new crypto framework.

This isn't just paperwork. It's a strategic power play. While competitors scramble with compliance headaches, Gemini now operates across 27 countries without regulatory friction. They bypassed the bureaucratic nightmare that's stalling other exchanges.

The timing couldn't be better. MiCA's full implementation kicks in December 2025—giving Gemini a multi-month head start to capture market share while others play catch-up.

Of course, the finance bros will call this 'strategic positioning' rather than what it really is: getting permission to do what they were already doing, just with more paperwork and compliance fees. Because nothing says innovation like begging regulators for a participation trophy.

Gemini has obtained a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) license from Malta's Financial Services Authority, allowing the platform to operate across all European Union member states and associated jurisdictions, the cryptocurrency exchange announced this week.

The license approval enables Gemini to offer cryptocurrency services to both retail and institutional clients throughout the 30-country region under the EU's standardized digital asset regulatory framework. MiCA represents the bloc's comprehensive approach to harmonizing crypto regulations across member states.

The MiCA framework, which took effect earlier this year, establishes unified rules for crypto asset issuers and service providers across EU jurisdictions, aiming to provide regulatory clarity while maintaining consumer protections.

The Malta license builds on Gemini's existing European regulatory footprint, which includes an Investment Firm license obtained in May that permits derivatives trading under MiFID II regulations. Combined, the approvals position Gemini as what the company describes as a fully-compliant crypto trading venue in the EU market.

"Receiving this approval marks a critical milestone in our regulated European expansion," said Mark Jennings, Gemini's head of Europe, in a company statement. The executive noted that the license unlocks access to a significantly larger market for the exchange's services.

Gemini recently launched tokenized stock products in Europe, offering blockchain-based digital tokens representing company shares with extended trading hours. The company indicated that the regulatory approvals will support the rollout of additional products and services, including derivatives offerings.

The exchange emphasized its commitment to regulatory compliance as a foundation for market expansion. Jennings characterized MiCA's implementation as evidence that Europe represents "one of the most innovative and forward-thinking regions" for cryptocurrency regulation.

Gemini last week filed for a Nasdaq listing under ticker "GEMI," adding to a growing wave of digital asset firms seeking to capitalize on favorable market conditions under the TRUMP administration's crypto-friendly policies.