Gemini Secures Key EU License to Launch Crypto Derivatives Across Europe

This approval marks a pivotal moment for the U.S.-based exchange, which has been steadily building its regulatory presence in Europe in anticipation of the EU’s sweeping Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. Gemini's newly licensed entity, Gemini Intergalactic EU Artemis Ltd., can now offer derivatives trading services to both institutional and retail clients in 27 EU countries without needing additional country-specific permissions.

Malta’s selection as Gemini’s European hub is no accident. Long known for its progressive approach to digital asset regulation, the country has emerged as a strategic launchpad for firms navigating the EU’s tightening crypto oversight. Gemini previously registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) with the MFSA in December 2024. In January 2025, it announced that Malta would serve as its central node for all MiCA-related activities.

Gemini’s expansion into crypto derivatives places it in direct competition with major industry players already active in the European market. The derivatives space, long dominated by platforms like Deribit and Bybit, has recently drawn heightened interest from both regulators and institutional investors. In a bold move earlier this week, Coinbase announced its $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, underlining the strategic importance of this segment.

Gemini’s MiFID II license allows the platform to offer complex products like perpetual contracts under strict investor protection rules, a key differentiator in a market where many offerings remain offshore or unregulated.

Gemini currently offers spot trading on over 90 digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Chainlink. It also operates ActiveTrader, a professional trading platform with over 80 trading pairs, and provides OTC services to institutions. The addition of regulated crypto derivatives is expected to significantly expand its addressable market.

While details on the first wave of products remain under wraps, company officials have confirmed that perpetual futures will lead the rollout. Unlike traditional futures, perpetuals allow investors to maintain open positions indefinitely, a feature that has proven popular among experienced crypto traders.

According to a Gemini spokesperson, the exchange is working to finalize backend integrations and trading infrastructure to meet EU requirements.

While the MiFID II license gives Gemini immediate operational capability in derivatives, the exchange is also pursuing broader MiCA licensing to expand its full-service offering. MiCA, which enters into force across the EU in late 2025, aims to harmonize crypto regulations by introducing mandatory licensing for asset issuers, wallet providers, and exchanges.

Gemini’s dual-license approach, MiFID II for financial instruments and MiCA for crypto assets, mirrors the strategy being adopted by other major players like Kraken, Binance, and Bitstamp, who are all racing to secure European market share before the new regime goes fully live.

Industry experts view Gemini’s successful licensing as part of a wider trend toward regulated crypto growth in Europe.

As the European crypto derivatives market matures, Gemini’s entry, backed by regulatory credibility, could accelerate institutional participation and drive further integration of digital assets into the traditional financial ecosystem.