On May 9, 2025, Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, announced that it has received regulatory approval to expand its crypto derivatives trading across Europe. The exchange has secured a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), which allows it to offer crypto derivatives within the European Union.
Mark Jennings, Gemini’s head of Europe, stated, “Once we commence business activities, we will be able to offer regulated derivatives throughout the EU and EEA [European Economic Area] under MiFID II.” This milestone is a crucial step in Gemini’s European expansion strategy, bringing it a step closer to providing derivatives for both retail and institutional users.
Advanced Traders to Access Perpetual Futures
With the MiFID II license in place, Gemini plans to offer a variety of derivatives products, including perpetual futures, which will be specifically targeted at advanced users. Jennings elaborated, “Over the coming months, we will be working towards meeting the required conditions to launch these products across Europe.”
According to records from the MFSA, Gemini’s Maltese entity, Gemini Intergalactic EU Artemis, was issued its license on May 8, 2025.
Awaiting MiCA License
This recent license is part of Gemini’s ongoing regulatory advancements within Europe. Earlier in January, the company announced its decision to select Malta as its compliance hub for the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. This announcement followed the receipt of its sixth European virtual asset service provider (VASP) registration from the MFSA in December 2024. However, it is noteworthy that, as of May 2025, the exchange has not yet obtained the full MiCA licensing.
The Growing Trend of Crypto Derivatives
Gemini’s initiative to launch crypto derivatives in Europe reflects a broader trend within the cryptocurrency industry, as derivatives markets continue to gain momentum globally. Recently, Coinbase, the largest crypto exchange in the US, announced its $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, one of the leading crypto derivatives platforms. Just a few days prior, Kraken also confirmed plans to purchase NinjaTrader, another derivatives trading platform, for $1.5 billion.
As the crypto derivatives market expands, platforms like Gemini are paving the way for future growth and innovation within the financial landscape, catering to the increasing demand for regulated and accessible trading solutions.
