Leading cryptocurrency exchange OKX has successfully obtained a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) license by acquiring a Malta-licensed entity. This significant regulatory milestone will enable OKX to introduce compliant derivative products tailored for institutional clients across the European Economic Area (EEA). However, final approval from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) remains pending.
The announcement was made at an exclusive event on Manoel Island, Malta, underscoring OKX’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the European market. Once regulatory clearance is received, the newly acquired entity is expected to commence operations later this year, offering institutional-grade investment solutions in a compliant and structured manner.
📣 Derivatives on deck 📣
— OKX (@okx) March 12, 2025
We're proud to announce that we’ve acquired a MiFID II license in Europe.
Upon regulatory approval, our MiCA-licensed and localized exchange will offer derivatives to institutional clients across the EU.
Learn more: https://t.co/xswBXeyCSF pic.twitter.com/Z7p7tcOuMe
MiFID II Compliance: A Game-Changer for Institutional Crypto Trading
With the MiFID II license, OKX can deliver regulated derivatives services, aligning digital assets with traditional financial markets. Institutional investors will gain access to advanced trading tools and structured financial products while ensuring compliance with European financial regulations. The regulatory framework aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets, offering institutions a secure gateway into the crypto ecosystem.
Previous Regulatory Approvals and Market Expansion
Prior to securing the MiFID II license, OKX had already obtained a full Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license, enabling it to provide localized crypto trading services across all 30 EU member states. The MiCA framework facilitates various trading services, including spot trading, over-the-counter (OTC) transactions, and automated trading solutions.
OKX’s regulatory advancements coincide with Binance’s recent announcement to delist all non-MiCA-compliant stablecoin trading pairs for EEA users. This shift highlights the growing importance of compliance in the evolving European crypto landscape, positioning OKX as a leader in regulatory adherence and institutional services.
New Institutional Products and Payment Solutions
OKX plans to launch a suite of institutional-grade investment products, including advanced derivatives and risk management tools. The exchange currently supports over 240 cryptocurrencies, 300 trading pairs, and 60 euro-based pairs, providing diverse trading opportunities for institutional clients.
Additionally, OKX is enhancing its fiat on-ramp solutions, offering free euro deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers. The platform will also support card payments and various local payment methods, streamlining accessibility for European users.
Also Read: OKX Settles with DoJ: $504M Penalty Signals Tougher U.S. Crypto Crackdown
With localized customer support and improved Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, OKX continues to position itself as a compliant and competitive exchange in the European market. The upcoming launch of its Malta-based entity marks a significant step toward expanding institutional crypto adoption in the region.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of CoinBrief.io. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Coin Brief is not responsible for any financial losses.
