OKX Secures MiFID II License to Expand Services in Europe

Highlights:

• OKX has secured a MiFID II license, enhancing its expansion across European nations.
• The exchange’s latest achievement comes a few weeks after it became the first global exchange to obtain a MiCA license.
• The trading platform said it is committed to ensuring that OKX remains a leading exchange of choice for users.

In a March 12 press release, Seychelles-based crypto exchange OKX announced it has secured a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) license. The operational permit announced during a VIP event at Manoel Island will enable the trading platform to launch derivative products and services for European institutional clients.

OKX’s latest feat builds on its Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) license approval. On January 27, OKX became the first global exchange to secure a MiCA license, enabling it to expand its trading offerings across 28 European Economic Areas (EEA) via passporting.

In the March 12 press release, the Seychelles-based exchange reiterated its commitment to transforming OKX into an exchange of choice for all traders. OKX aims to achieve this by constantly modifying its operations to match users’ needs in a regulatory-compliant manner.

OKX stated:

“Through it all, our MiFID II license and the MiCA license spotlight our commitment to meeting the rigorous compliance standards demanded in Europe and to meeting the needs of the trading community.”

Derivatives on deck

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

— OKX (@okx) March 12, 2025

OKX New License Supports Diverse Offerings and Features

According to OKX, its licenses support features and offerings that make trading seamless for users. These include spot trading, over the counter (OTC) trading, and bot and copy trading. On OKX, users can access over 240 cryptocurrencies across more than 300 trading pairs and over 60 Euro-based trading pairs.

In addition, OKX stated that with the introduction of derivatives, clients will access advanced trading options in their local markets. According to the publication, OKX’s official website and app have local language options. They also offer local currency display and local language customer support.

The exchange also allows its registered European users to deposit and withdraw euros at zero costs via seamless bank transfers. Customers can also purchase crypto through cards and other accessible conventional payment systems.

These features will significantly enhance users’ experience while cementing OKX’s position as a leading global exchange. On X, users praised OKX for bringing crypto closer to European enthusiasts. They called it a step toward greater crypto expansion and adoption.

OKX Europe has acquired a Mifid license and (once approved) we will soon be able to bring crypto derivatives / futures to millions of Europeans on a regulated platform.

Today this is a gap in the European market. We believe by offering this we create a tremendous economical… https://t.co/p4Z8Dep0cM pic.twitter.com/NBggEgjnYy

— Haider (@Haider) March 12, 2025

OKX Plans to Grow a Strong EEA Community

OKX stated in the press release that customers should expect added features like smoother Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, localized products, and new payment options. The trading platform also stressed the need to grow a strong EEA community. OKX believes a vibrant community will add significant value to its expansion goals.

The trading platform remarked:

“We believe our customers can gain so much more from the OKX experience when surrounded by and can participate in a thriving, collaborative community.”

To strengthen its EEA presence, OKX plans to engage industry leaders, host local events, and launch brand initiatives with renowned brands and creators. The exchange assured that details about these expected features and services would be timely to keep users abreast of the latest happenings.

OKX Faces Probe from EU for Allegedly Aiding Money Laundering

On March 12, Crypto2Community reported that European regulators are investigating OKX for allegedly aiding the Bybit hacker to launder about $100 million in crypto. According to MiCA’s Article 64, the regulators can revoke OKX’s license if they find that OKX failed to stop the hacker from moving funds through its platform.