Gemini has secured in-principle approval from Malta’s financial regulator for an investment firm license, marking a significant step in its European expansion, according to a Feb. 11 statement shared with CryptoSlate.This Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) approval moves the exchange closer to offering regulated crypto services across the European Economic Area (EEA).European expansionThis regulatory milestone aligns with Gemini’s broader strategy to establish a stronger European foothold.The exchange plans to use Malta as its primary base for its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) application. A full MiCA license would allow Gemini to provide compliant and secure crypto services throughout the region.Additionally, obtaining the full investment firm license would enable Gemini to offer regulated futures and options under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II). This would expand its offerings to include perpetual futures trading across Europe, catering to growing institutional and retail demand.Mark Jennings, Head of Europe at Gemini, described this approval as a crucial step in the company’s long-term vision. He highlighted the increasing demand for crypto derivatives, particularly among institutional investors, as the market matures.Gemini also highlighted that this regulatory progress will enhance its service offerings. The perpetual futures will complement its existing products, including its spot exchange, ActiveTrader™, OTC desk, and eOTC trading systems.European expansionGemini’s expansion reflects a larger trend of crypto firms strengthening their European presence.Over the past months, major exchanges, including Coinbase, Kraken, Crypto.com, and OKX, have announced plans to enter or expand in the region ahead of MiCA’s full implementation.MiCA, adopted by the European Union in 2023, is the first regulatory framework for digital assets in a major economic bloc.The framework is designed to standardize regulations across the EU by enhancing consumer protections and reducing regulatory fragmentation

Gemini has received in-principle approval in Malta for an Investment Firm license subject to the MFSA’s (Malta Financial Services Authorities) pre-authorisation requirements. Once granted, the licence will allow Gemini to offer regulated futures and options throughout the EU and EEA* under MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instrument Directive).Gemini are pursuing the license through the Maltese regulator, which will be applicable throughout Europe. Today’s approval follows their recent decision to select Malta as our EU hub and chosen jurisdiction for their MiCA application. Receiving MiCA approval will allow Gemini to continue offering their secure and reliable services to customers throughout the region.Achieving in-principal approval marks a crucial step in Gemini’s 2025 European expansion strategy. Once the licence is obtained, MiFID II, a framework regulating the traditional financial markets, will allow Gemini to offer perpetual futures contracts throughout the EU and EEA* to advanced traders and institutions.This is a strategic move to increase their offerings for institutional and retail customers, in addition to our existing spot exchange featuring 90+ digital assets, ActiveTrader™ with 80+ trading pairs, as well as Gemini’s OTC desk and eOTC trading system for institutional traders.Mark Jennings, Gemini’s Head of Europe, said, “Receiving in-principal approval for an Investment License is a key milestone in our commitment to providing a best-in-class offering for retail and institutional investors. Interest in crypto derivatives, particularly from institutions, has increased significantly in recent years, as crypto matures into a recognised asset class.”* Customers domiciled in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway

The crypto industry is at a turning point in 2025, with global policy and regulatory advancements paving the way for a future where digital assets are fully integrated into the financial system.At this critical juncture, understanding the attitudes of Gen Z is key in building inclusive, innovative crypto products for decades to come. Widely regarded as the most tech-savvy and forward-thinking generation, they will play a pivotal role in shaping the adoption, regulation, and long-term success of crypto.Today, the Gemini team is sharing new insights from their 2024 State of Crypto Report, examining the factors driving crypto adoption for the youngest generation of investors.Survey OverviewThe report was conducted between May and July 2024 by Data Driven Consulting Group, surveying 6,000 adults (crypto owners and non-owners) across the US, UK, France, Singapore, and Turkey.* It highlights that Gen Z adults (aged 18-29) stand out as the generation most engaged with and optimistic about this new financial frontier.High Crypto Ownership RatesWhen it comes to crypto ownership, Gen Z is leading the pack. Globally, more than half (51%) of Gen Z respondents reported that they currently own cryptocurrency or have owned it in the past, significantly higher than the 35% reported by the general population. In the US, over half of Gen Z respondents owned or had owned cryptocurrency (51%), compared to 49% of Millennials (people born 1981-1996) and 29% of Gen X (people born 1965-1980). This trend holds true across countries:UK: 53% of Gen Z vs. 32% of the general population.Singapore: 50% of Gen Z vs