Journalist
Hassan Shittu
Journalist
Hassan Shittu
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Crypto.com has expanded its European operations by securing a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license, as announced on May 21, 2025.
This regulatory milestone allows the mobile-first crypto exchange and payments platform to offer cryptocurrency derivatives across the European Economic Area (EEA).
The license was obtained following Crypto.com’s acquisition of A.N. Allnew Investments, a Cyprus-based investment services firm, with approval from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
This MiFID license complements Crypto.com’s earlier achievement in January 2025, when it received in-principle approval under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. Will this dual-license powerhouse reshape Europe’s crypto landscape for good?
The Race for Regulated Derivatives: Exchanges Double Down on Licensing in Europe
The MiCA and MiFID licenses provide Crypto.com with the legal infrastructure to operate a wide range of financial products in the EU, including contracts for difference (CFDs) and other crypto derivatives.
In a statement, Kris Marszalek, co-founder and CEO of Crypto.com, emphasized its commitment to expanding its regional reach.
“We have already expanded our brand presence in Europe since receiving our MiCA licence, and we now look forward to providing customers across the region even more ways to engage with our platform through these new offerings,” he said.
Notably, Crypto.com’s move shows a trend among major crypto exchanges pursuing MiFID licenses to gain access to Europe’s regulated financial markets.
There has been a flurry of activity in recent months as top exchanges have aligned their derivative offerings with EU laws.
Kraken, for instance, launched its regulated crypto derivatives platform just a day before Crypto.com’s announcement, using a MiFID II-regulated Cyprus entity.
The launch followed Kraken’s acquisition of futures platform NinjaTrader, signaling a deeper pivot into derivatives and a 19% year-on-year revenue growth to $471.7 million in Q1.
Coinbase, not far behind, recently entered an agreement to acquire Deribit, one of the world’s largest crypto derivatives platforms.
This $2.9 billion move shows Coinbase’s belief in the profitability and importance of derivatives trading, as expressed by CEO Brian Armstrong, who noted the firm’s intention to pursue additional M&A opportunities.
Gemini also secured regulatory approval through Malta’s financial services authority to expand its European crypto derivatives offerings.
As Europe becomes a focal point for regulatory clarity and innovation, this trend indicates how exchanges respond to demand for compliance-ready trading options while attempting to future-proof their operations in anticipation of stricter global standards.
What This Means for Europe—and the Global Crypto Regulatory Landscape
With MiCA and MiFID II providing clear guidelines, Europe now offers crypto firms a legitimate path to offer advanced financial instruments like derivatives, which were previously confined to offshore or lightly regulated platforms.
By obtaining MiFID licenses, exchanges can “passport” their services across EU member states, reducing the diversified regulatory burden and facilitating broader access to financial products.
Cyprus and Malta have positioned themselves as gateways into the European market, accounting for many MiFID license acquisitions due to their business-friendly policies, English-speaking regulatory environments, and robust financial services infrastructure.
According to recent data, Cyprus ranks among the top European countries in active MiFID-licensed entities, with dozens of investment firms using the jurisdiction as a launchpad into the EU market.
The country’s efficient licensing process, experienced legal firms, and deep integration into European financial systems have made it a popular choice, especially for digital-first firms seeking fast-track entry into Europe.
Looking beyond Europe, the success of MiFID- and MiCA-driven crypto regulation could serve as a model for other jurisdictions. Countries in Asia, Latin America, and North America are closely watching. As more exchanges adopt this model, there is growing speculation that similar frameworks could emerge in jurisdictions like Singapore, Australia, and Brazil.
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