Gemini Secures MiCA License in Malta Expanding European Operations

Gemini, the crypto exchange co-founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has secured a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) license in Malta, granting it a critical foothold in the European market [1]. The approval by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) enables Gemini to offer its services across more than 30 European countries, marking one of the company’s most significant regulatory milestones since its launch. The exchange described the license as a “critical step” in providing European users with secure, compliant crypto products, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and regulatory excellence.

The MiCA license positions Gemini to compete more effectively in Europe, where the regulatory environment is rapidly evolving. The firm already holds a MiFID II license, received in May, which allows it to offer crypto derivatives within the EU. With both MiCA and MiFID II approvals, Gemini now operates under a robust regulatory framework, enabling broader access to retail and institutional investors across the continent.

The timing of the approval aligns with Gemini’s broader strategic moves, including its recent filing for an initial public offering (IPO) on Nasdaq under the ticker GEMI [1]. This dual focus on regulatory expansion and public market growth suggests the firm is preparing for sustained scaling in multiple jurisdictions. The European regulatory landscape, particularly under MiCA, is seen as a model for balancing innovation with investor protection, a stance Gemini has long advocated.

Gemini’s expansion into Europe also brings it into direct competition with established players such as Kraken and Robinhood, which have already introduced similar services like tokenized stocks in the region [1]. In June, Gemini launched tokenized stocks on Arbitrum, offering European traders round-the-clock access to blockchain-based versions of equities. These products, governed under MiFID II, bring additional regulatory clarity and align with the EU’s broader efforts to integrate crypto into traditional financial systems.

Malta has emerged as a key jurisdiction for crypto firms seeking to operate across the EU under a unified regulatory regime. Gemini is now one of five exchanges to have secured MiCA approval in the country, joining Bitpanda, Crypto.com, OKX, and ZBX [1]. The MFSA, despite earlier scrutiny from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), has maintained that its licensing process remains credible and aligned with EU standards. This adds further legitimacy to Gemini’s expansion strategy and may encourage other international firms to follow a similar path.

The approval also reflects a broader trend in the crypto industry: the shift toward regulatory alignment as a core growth strategy. As governments close gaps in oversight, compliance has become a key differentiator in attracting institutional and retail investors. Gemini’s proactive approach to meeting EU regulatory expectations places it ahead of many competitors, particularly in an environment where non-compliance can limit market access.

With the MiCA framework in full force, Gemini’s entry into Europe is not just about regulatory expansion—it signals a deeper strategic pivot toward a more institutional and global market. The firm’s ability to adapt to evolving compliance standards while maintaining a focus on user experience and security positions it well for long-term success in the EU. As the digital asset sector continues to mature, Gemini’s expansion could influence how other firms approach regulatory markets, reinforcing the importance of compliance as a pathway to legitimacy and scale.