Coin Newsweek – February 26, 2026 – Gate, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with its Malta-based entity, Gate Technology Ltd, officially obtaining a Payment Institution license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) under the EU’s Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2). This development positions Gate among a select group of crypto-native companies in Europe to secure this level of regulatory approval, reinforcing its long-term strategy to bridge traditional finance and Web3 infrastructure across the continent.
The Payment Institution license represents a critical expansion of Gate’s regulatory footprint in Europe, complementing the full MiCA license the company previously secured in Malta for exchange and custody services. Together, these authorizations create a comprehensive compliance foundation that enables Gate to offer a full spectrum of digital asset and payment services under EU regulatory frameworks.
Giovanni Cunti, CEO of Gate Technology Ltd, commented on the achievement: “We are proud to have secured this Payment Institution license. It positions Gate to build a secure, scalable bridge between traditional finance and Web3, delivering compliant payment solutions to clients across Europe. This accomplishment is the result of our team’s dedication and marks a critical step in aligning with MiCA’s regulatory framework.”
Cunti further emphasized the broader significance of the license, noting that it establishes a strong foundation for future financial services and ensures regulatory certainty for both institutional and retail clients in the dynamic European market. The license provides Gate with passporting rights across the European Union, allowing the company to offer payment services in all EU member states through a single regulatory approval.
The PSD2 framework is designed to enhance consumer protection, promote innovation, and improve the security of payment services across Europe. By operating under this regime, Gate demonstrates its commitment to meeting the highest standards of regulatory compliance while building infrastructure that can integrate with traditional financial systems.
This announcement builds on Gate’s earlier regulatory achievements in Malta, where the company has established a strategic hub for European operations. Malta’s transparent and forward-looking regulatory environment has attracted numerous blockchain and digital asset firms, positioning the island nation as a gateway to the broader European market.
Gate’s comprehensive global compliance strategy now spans multiple jurisdictions, including but not limited to Malta, Cyprus, the Bahamas, Japan, Australia, and Dubai. This diversified regulatory approach ensures the company can operate in compliance with local requirements across key markets while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes.
The Payment Institution license enhances Gate’s ability to integrate traditional finance mechanisms with Web3 applications, creating a seamless, secure, and efficient ecosystem for users. By bridging these two worlds, Gate aims to facilitate the mainstream adoption of digital assets while maintaining the regulatory safeguards that institutional and retail clients expect.
For European users, the license means access to Gate’s services with the confidence that comes from operating under EU regulatory oversight. Payment services provided through the licensed entity must comply with strict requirements around fund safeguarding, consumer protection, and operational transparency.
The timing of this regulatory achievement aligns with Europe’s evolving crypto landscape. As MiCA implementation progresses across member states, having both MiCA and PSD2 authorizations positions Gate to navigate the regulatory environment with clarity and confidence. Companies that have secured appropriate licenses are better positioned to capitalize on the opportunities created by regulatory clarity.
Gate’s history in the cryptocurrency space dates to 2013, making it one of the industry’s longest-operating exchanges. Its flagship platform, Gate.io, serves over 49 million users globally and ranks among the top three crypto exchanges worldwide by market share. This scale gives Gate significant experience in managing the operational and security challenges that come with serving a large, global user base.
The company’s commitment to regulatory compliance reflects a broader industry trend toward professionalization and institutional integration. As digital assets become increasingly integrated with traditional finance, exchanges that can demonstrate regulatory compliance gain competitive advantages in attracting institutional capital and mainstream users.
Looking ahead, Gate is well-positioned to play a leading role in driving innovation, transparency, and trust in digital financial infrastructure across Europe. The combination of MiCA authorization for exchange and custody services, now augmented by PSD2 payment capabilities, creates a comprehensive platform for serving European clients with regulated digital asset and payment solutions.
As Europe’s crypto landscape continues to mature, Gate’s regulatory achievements in Malta provide a foundation for sustainable growth and market leadership. The company’s ability to secure and maintain these authorizations demonstrates its commitment to operating within regulatory frameworks while continuing to innovate in the rapidly evolving digital asset space.
Sources: Gate official announcement / Malta Financial Services Authority
Disclaimer: This content is for market information only and is not investment advice. Gate may restrict or prohibit all or part of its services for users from restricted regions.
