OKX obtains MiFID II authorization in Europe

OKX has announced its plans to broaden its institutional services in Europe after obtaining the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license.

The cryptocurrency exchange's European division received the license following the acquisition of a Malta-based firm that holds the MiFID II license. The firm, whose identity remains undisclosed, is expected to commence operations later this year, pending approval from the Malta Financial Services Authority.

Although OKX did not reveal the name of the acquired company, it announced the achievement of the MiFID II license at an exclusive event held in Malta.

The regulatory approval for the newly acquired entity will enable OKX to introduce derivative products and services tailored for institutional investors. These products and services will be accessible to institutional clients within the European Economic Area, encompassing all 30 European Union member states, as stated by OKX.

"Acquiring a MiFID II license represents a significant accomplishment in our mission to merge digital assets with traditional financial markets," said Erald Ghoos, the chief executive officer of OKX Europe. "This license will enable us to provide institutional-level services, collaborate with top-tier financial institutions, and offer regulated investment solutions that enhance market access and empower investors across the continent."

OKX's MiFID II milestone comes after the significant regulatory advancement the exchange achieved in late January 2025. As reported earlier, OKX became the first global cryptocurrency exchange to obtain the EU's full Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) license. This development allowed the exchange to offer localized products and services, allowing them to be passed across the EU bloc.

The products currently available include spot trading, over-the-counter trading, and copy trading.

OKX offers over 240 cryptocurrencies and more than 60 euro-based trading pairs. The exchange's presence in Europe will expand further with the MiFID II license and the introduction of regulated derivatives products.