Following MiCA Nod, Crypto.com Wins MiFID License to Scale Regulated Crypto Services in Europe

Crypto.com has deepened its European footprint with the acquisition of a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license, announced on 21 May 2025.

The license authorises the platform to offer crypto derivatives across the European Economic Area (EEA), marking a key step in its broader strategy to operate in regulated markets.

The approval follows Crypto.com’s acquisition of Cyprus-based investment firm A.N. Allnew Investments and a green light from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).

This latest milestone builds on the company’s earlier in-principle approval under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework in January 2025.

Together, the MiCA and MiFID licenses enable Crypto.com to provide a wider suite of regulated financial products, including contracts for difference (CFDs) and other derivatives.

CEO Kris Marszalek said the move reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in Europe through compliance and regulatory alignment:

“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.”

Exchanges Go All-In on Regulation as Europe Opens to Crypto Derivatives

Crypto.com’s latest regulatory win reflects a broader shift among major crypto exchanges racing to secure MiFID licenses and establish a foothold in Europe’s increasingly regulated financial landscape.

In recent months, several top platforms have moved quickly to align their derivatives offerings with EU laws.

Just one day before Crypto.com’s announcement, Kraken launched its own MiFID II-regulated crypto derivatives platform via a Cyprus-based entity.

The launch followed its acquisition of futures broker NinjaTrader and came on the heels of a 19% year-over-year revenue jump to $471.7 million in Q1.

Meanwhile, Coinbase is making an even bolder play, announcing a $2.9 billion deal to acquire Deribit—one of the largest crypto derivatives platforms globally—underscoring CEO Brian Armstrong’s conviction in derivatives as a key growth engine and a target for further M&A.

Gemini is also making headway, recently obtaining regulatory clearance from Malta’s financial authority to expand its crypto derivatives business across Europe.

Together, these moves signal how major exchanges are adapting to a future shaped by stricter compliance and clearer regulatory standards—particularly in Europe, where demand for regulated trading infrastructure continues to grow.

Europe’s Move and Its Global Impact on Crypto Regulation

With the introduction of MiCA and MiFID II, Europe has carved out a clear and credible regulatory framework for crypto firms looking to offer sophisticated financial products like derivatives—tools that were once largely limited to offshore or loosely governed platforms.

By securing a MiFID license, firms gain the ability to "passport" their services across EU member states, significantly easing the regulatory burden and streamlining market access.

Jurisdictions such as Cyprus and Malta have emerged as strategic gateways into the European market, thanks to their pro-business environments, English-speaking regulators, and mature financial services infrastructure.

Cyprus, in particular, stands out as a hub for MiFID-licensed entities, with numerous investment firms leveraging its efficient licensing process and strong legal support to expand into the broader EU.

As Europe continues to set the pace for regulated crypto markets, its approach is drawing attention globally.

Policymakers in regions like Asia, Latin America, and North America are closely monitoring the European model, with speculation mounting that countries such as Singapore, Australia, and Brazil may soon adopt similar regulatory frameworks.

The momentum suggests that Europe’s experiment in harmonized digital asset oversight could shape the future of crypto regulation well beyond its borders.