News 
May 9, 2025 
4 min. 
Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange co-founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has reached a major milestone in its European growth strategy. On May 9, the platform announced it has secured a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). This regulatory green light paves the way for its expansion into crypto derivatives trading across the European Union.
With this new approval, Gemini plans to roll out a suite of crypto derivatives products, including perpetual futures, tailored for advanced traders on its platform.
“We’re now positioned to offer regulated derivatives across the EU and EEA under MiFID II,” said Mark Jennings, Gemini’s Head of Europe. He emphasized that this license marks a critical step toward making these financial instruments accessible to both institutional and retail investors in Europe.
Gemini’s latest move strengthens its presence in the European market and aligns with its broader vision to provide compliant and secure digital asset services worldwide.
Gemini Eyes Perpetual Futures Rollout for Advanced EU Traders
Gemini is preparing to introduce a range of crypto derivatives, including perpetual futures, tailored specifically for its experienced users across the European Union and European Economic Area. According to Mark Jennings, Gemini’s Head of Europe, these offerings will be accessible to advanced traders on the platform.
“In the coming months, we’ll focus on fulfilling the necessary regulatory requirements to officially launch these products throughout Europe,” Jennings stated.
Public records from the Malta Financial Services Authority confirm that Gemini’s Maltese branch, operating under the name Gemini Intergalactic EU Artemis, was granted its official license on May 8.
Gemini Builds Momentum in Europe Amid Pending MiCA Approval
Gemini continues to advance its regulatory footprint across Europe, further solidifying its presence in the region. Earlier this year, the U.S.-based crypto exchange revealed that it had selected Malta as its central base to align with the European Union’s upcoming Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations.
This strategic decision followed Gemini’s achievement of securing its sixth Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration from the Malta Financial Services Authority in December 2024.
While the exchange has made notable strides, it has yet to obtain full authorization under the MiCA framework.
Crypto Derivatives Boom Continues as Gemini Joins the Race
Gemini’s forthcoming launch of crypto derivatives in Europe marks another significant step in the global surge of interest in digital asset derivatives.
On May 8, U.S.-based giant Coinbase made headlines by announcing its $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, one of the leading derivatives exchanges in the crypto space. Just days earlier, on May 1, competitor Kraken unveiled its plan to enter the futures market by acquiring NinjaTrader, a derivatives trading platform, in a deal valued at $1.5 billion.
Gemini’s strategic move follows this growing industry momentum, signaling its intent to compete in the rapidly expanding crypto derivatives landscape.
