In a significant move for its European operations, crypto exchange OKX Europe has announced the acquisition of a Malta-licensed firm possessing a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) license. This strategic acquisition brings the company closer to launching regulated derivatives products across Europe, promising to enhance its service offerings for institutional clients.
The newly acquired entity is expected to commence operations later this year, contingent upon receiving the necessary approvals from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). While the specific details regarding the acquired firm have not been disclosed, this move is a testament to OKX’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the regulated financial space.
The MiFID II license is particularly significant, enabling OKX to provide regulated derivatives products and services not only within Malta but also to clients across the European Economic Area (EEA). This includes 27 European Union member states alongside Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, thus widening the scope for potential institutional clients.
This acquisition marks another milestone for OKX, which is recognized as the third-largest cryptocurrency exchange by market cap in the EU. Earlier this year, the exchange secured a Markets in Crypto Assets license from Malta, further solidifying its regulatory standing within the region.
The continuous expansion of regulated services indicates OKX’s intent to cater to the evolving needs of institutional investors in Europe, aligning with the broader trend of increasing regulatory scrutiny in the crypto industry. As the landscape shifts, exchanges like OKX are poised to benefit from the establishment of a more formalized environment for trading digital assets.
For those interested in the developments surrounding cryptocurrency regulations, the recent news about One Trading securing regulatory approval from the Dutch regulator to offer crypto derivatives trading in Europe also highlights the growing momentum in this sector. Read more on this topic in our latest coverage.
