Crypto.com has achieved a major regulatory milestone by obtaining a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license, allowing the platform to offer regulated cryptocurrency derivatives across the European Economic Area (EEA).
Announced on May 21, the license adds to Crypto.com’s expanding European regulatory portfolio. It follows the firm’s in-principle approval under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework earlier this year.
“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,” said Kris Marszalek, co-founder and CEO of Crypto.com.
The MiFID license was secured through the acquisition of Cyprus-based A.N. Allnew Investments, a move approved by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This strategic acquisition positions Crypto.com to offer a broader range of compliant financial products across Europe.
The move also signals Crypto.com’s intent to remain competitive in an increasingly regulated and institutionally focused crypto market.
Cyprus Emerges as Hub for Crypto Derivatives
Crypto.com’s licensing breakthrough highlights a broader trend: crypto firms are rapidly turning to Cyprus as a gateway for derivatives expansion in Europe.
Just one day earlier, Kraken launched its own MiFID II-compliant derivatives platform through its Cyprus-based entity, Payward Europe Digital Solutions. This follows Kraken’s acquisition of NinjaTrader and reflects the exchange’s strategy to deepen its presence in regulated markets. Kraken also reported Q1 revenue of $471.7 million, a 19% year-over-year increase—driven in part by derivatives growth.
Coinbase is also ramping up efforts. CEO Brian Armstrong recently confirmed the firm’s acquisition of Deribit, one of the largest crypto derivatives exchanges globally. The deal positions Coinbase to compete directly in the high-stakes world of advanced trading products.
Gemini, meanwhile, has secured approval to expand derivatives offerings in Europe, and DeFi project Synthetix has re-entered the market by reacquiring Derive to relaunch its options protocol.
Crypto.com’s broader M&A strategy—which includes previous acquisitions of Fintek Securities, Orion Principals, Charterprime, and U.S.-registered broker-dealer Watchdog Capital—further underscores the industry’s pivot toward regulatory compliance and global market positioning.
Quick Facts
- Crypto.com has secured a MiFID license to offer crypto derivatives across the EEA.
- The license was granted via its acquisition of Cyprus-based A.N. Allnew Investments.
- The firm joins Coinbase and Kraken in expanding regulated derivatives offerings in Europe.
- Crypto.com’s move reflects a broader industry trend toward regulated financial products.
