Gemini Secures MiCA and MiFID II Licenses to Expand EU Crypto Operations

Gemini has taken a major step in strengthening its institutional market position through a series of strategic partnerships and regulatory milestones in the European Union. The exchange has secured the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from Malta’s Financial Services Authority (MFSA), along with MiFID II approval in May 2025. These licenses allow Gemini to operate across more than 30 European jurisdictions, offering a range of crypto products such as tokenized stocks and crypto derivatives under a unified regulatory framework [1][2][3]. This marks a pivotal shift in the firm’s strategy, emphasizing compliance and institutional-grade services.

Gemini’s recent partnerships are designed to expand access to cryptocurrency trading, focusing on fiat on/off ramps and custody solutions. Key collaborations include those with Samsung Blockchain Wallet and BCB Group, which enhance the exchange’s buy/sell and custody capabilities. These developments aim to improve market liquidity and transaction ease for institutional investors, particularly for Bitcoin and Ethereum [1]. The company’s co-founders, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, have been instrumental in driving these initiatives, leveraging their experience as early crypto adopters to build a platform grounded in security and compliance [1].

The integration of fiat services and custody solutions is a core component of Gemini’s strategy to build institutional trust. By providing regulated access to crypto markets, the firm is addressing key concerns around transparency, asset protection, and regulatory alignment. This approach aligns with historical trends where regulated fiat integration has driven on-chain activity and institutional adoption [1]. With $18.2 billion in custody assets under management, Gemini has demonstrated its capacity to meet the demands of institutional clients while maintaining a strong compliance posture [1].

The MiCA regulation, which became effective in 2024, has set a new standard for crypto service providers in the EU. It mandates EU-based operations, strict AML/KYC protocols, and reserve requirements, reinforcing the importance of compliance in the sector. Gemini’s ability to meet these requirements has positioned it as a prime candidate for long-term institutional investment [1][2]. The regulatory clarity provided by MiCA and MiFID II also reduces the operational complexity for institutional investors, enabling smoother cross-border participation in the crypto market [3].

The broader implications of Gemini’s regulatory success suggest a shift in the next crypto bull cycle, where infrastructure and compliance are expected to play a more dominant role. Institutions are increasingly seeking platforms that offer scalable solutions to regulatory challenges, such as real-time AML monitoring and institutional-grade custody. This trend is reflected in the performance of early-stage compliance-focused fintechs, which have outperformed the broader crypto market by 20-30% since mid-2024 [1].

By operating under a single regulatory umbrella across the EU, Gemini is streamlining access for institutional clients and reducing the need for redundant compliance efforts in individual jurisdictions. This advantage is particularly significant as the EU moves toward a more unified financial ecosystem, where tokenized assets and cross-border services are expected to play a larger role in asset allocation [3]. Gemini’s strategic expansion in the region is not only a regulatory win but also a demonstration of the crypto industry’s growing alignment with traditional financial standards [1][2].

Source:

[1] Gemini's Strategic EU Expansion and Regulatory Leadership https://www.ainvest.com/news/gemini-strategic-eu-expansion-regulatory-leadership-prime-candidate-long-term-institutional-investment-2508/

[2] Gemini's European Expansion and the Rise of Institutional ... https://www.ainvest.com/news/gemini-european-expansion-rise-institutional-grade-crypto-compliance-bull-cycle-playbook-2508/

[3] Gemini Receives its MiCA License, Supporting Ongoing ... https://ffnews.com/newsarticle/cryptocurrency/gemini-receives-its-mica-license-supporting-ongoing-eu-expansion/

[4] Gemini Powers Up in Europe with MiCA and MiFID II ... https://coincentral.com/gemini-powers-up-in-europe-with-mica-and-mifid-ii-licenses/