In a significant move to fortify its position in the European Union (EU), crypto exchange Gate has obtained a Payment Institution license in Malta, a critical stepping stone under the EU’s PSD2 framework. This authorization, granted by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), marks a pivotal moment for Gate, enabling it to offer regulated payment services across the EU, a strategic move that aligns with the company’s vision of integrating traditional finance with Web3 solutions.
Gate Technology, the Malta-based entity of the exchange, received the license on Thursday, which will allow it to execute payment transactions, facilitate credit transfers and direct debits, and maintain payment accounts across the EU. This expansion builds on Gate’s existing EU crypto permissions, which include a license under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) obtained on October 1, 2025. This MiCA license permits Gate to provide exchange and custody services across EU member states.
Strategic Expansion and Compliance
The new license is a testament to Gate’s commitment to regulatory compliance and its ambition to serve a broader audience in Europe. According to the MFSA’s public authorization catalogue, Gate Technology is now permitted to provide a range of payment services, including enabling cash deposits and withdrawals from payment accounts and managing all operations required to operate these accounts.
Gate CEO Giovanni Cunti emphasized the strategic importance of the license, stating, “This approval positions us to deliver compliant payment solutions to both institutional and retail clients, further solidifying our role as a leader in the intersection of traditional finance and Web3.” The company, which serves over 49 million users globally, did not disclose the specific user numbers in the EU but highlighted the potential for significant growth in the region.
Broader EU Compliance Trend
Gate’s achievement is part of a broader trend among crypto exchanges to secure regulatory approvals in the EU. On February 16, OKX also obtained a Malta Payment Institution license, which will support its products such as OKX Pay and the OKX Card. Under MiCA, crypto-asset service providers that integrate stablecoin payments into regulated financial systems must comply with EU payments law. As a result, Payment Institution approvals are becoming increasingly essential for exchanges aiming to offer euro-denominated payment flows alongside crypto trading.
While Gate has not yet specified which payment products will launch first or the timeline for rolling out expanded EU services, the company’s strategic positioning is clear. The new license not only enhances Gate’s regulatory standing but also opens up new opportunities for innovation and growth in the European market.
Looking Forward
As the EU continues to develop its regulatory framework for crypto assets and payment services, exchanges like Gate are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for integrated financial solutions. The combination of traditional payment infrastructure with Web3 services is expected to drive significant adoption and innovation in the region. With its new Payment Institution license, Gate is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of crypto payments in Europe.
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