On 25 January 2025, Gemini — a major crypto exchange and digital wallet service — announced it’s moving its European HQ to Malta. Not Ireland.
Gemini was founded by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss (yes, the Facebook twins), and it’s known for taking regulation seriously — a rare thing in the crypto world. They offer a secure platform for buying, storing, and trading digital assets.
The move is a big vote of confidence in Malta’s fintech scene. Gemini was last valued at $7.1 billion, with annual revenue estimated around $275 million.
Maltas frühe Annahme von Krypto-Vorschriften
Malta was early to the party on crypto. Back in 2018, it launched the Virtual Financial Assets Act — one of Europe’s first proper legal frameworks for digital assets. It gave crypto companies exactly what they want: clear rules and a sense of stability.
Ireland, by contrast, played it safe. A bit too safe. The result? Firms like Gemini are already moving out, choosing places like Malta where the rules are clear and the welcome is warm.
Malta’s financial regulator, the MFSA, isn’t new to this. They’ve been working closely with crypto businesses for years. That hands-on experience matters — it gives companies confidence that Malta knows how to regulate without stifling growth.
Now, with the new EU-wide crypto rules under MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation), Malta’s head start is paying off. For firms already registered, it means one rulebook and access to the whole European Economic Area. No more jumping through a dozen regulatory hoops.
Smart bets go where the ground is steady. Right now, that’s Malta.
Vertrauen der Industrie in den maltesischen Rechtsrahmen
As Mark Jennings, Gemini’s European head, put it: “MiCA is a much-needed regulatory development for the European crypto community.” That’s why Gemini picked Malta as its base. The country strikes a rare balance — clear rules without killing innovation. Jennings even said he hopes Malta’s approach helps shape global crypto regulation.
And Gemini’s not alone. Bybit, Kraken, Uphold, Gate.io, eToro — all have chosen Malta to anchor their European operations under MiCA. OKX got there even earlier, setting up shop in July 2024.
This isn’t about sun or tax breaks. What sets Malta apart is its experience. The MFSA knows this space — and that kind of credibility is gold in a sector where trust is everything.
Die Rolle von Finance Malta bei der globalen Expansion
Industry watchers see Gemini’s move as more than just good business — it’s a strong signal that Malta’s doing something right. Graziella Grech, COO of FinanceMalta, called it a clear endorsement of the country’s solid infrastructure and smart, forward-looking approach to crypto regulation.
With one of Europe’s earliest crypto laws and a tech sector that’s growing fast, Malta keeps attracting major names. FinanceMalta plays a big part in that — promoting the island abroad and keeping global interest ticking.
“There’s a lot of meaningful work happening,” Grech said. “It shows our commitment to putting Malta on the map and making it a serious option for investors and operators alike.”
Blick in die Zukunft: Maltas globale Krypto-Präsenz
In 2025, FinanceMalta is taking Malta’s message on the road — with plans to show up at 35 major international events. That includes big names like Money 20/20 in Amsterdam, the ESG Europe Summit in Vienna, and the Guildhall in London. With strong legislation and a growing fintech ecosystem, Malta is making a clear pitch: if you’re in crypto or digital assets and want stability, this is the place.
Expatax is keeping expats in the loop with regular updates on Malta’s crypto scene — from regulatory changes to new openings — so you’re always one step ahead.
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