Cryptocurrency exchange Gate.io has received a Payment Institution (PI) license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), granting it the right to offer regulated payment services within the European Union. The license, acquired through its subsidiary Gate Technology Ltd, paves the way for the company to operate with “passporting” rights throughout the EU, reflecting a major step toward legalizing its payment operations across the continent.
Regulatory Framework in Europe Gathers Strength
With this milestone, Gate.io has significantly advanced the legal integration of its USDG stablecoin within the European market. Issued by Paxos and pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, the USDG stablecoin is fully backed by liquid assets. The newly-granted license enables Gate.io to deliver USDG in a manner fully compatible with the banking and payments infrastructure of Europe, opening new avenues for stablecoin adoption throughout the region.
PSD2 and MiCA Compliance Bridges Web3 and Traditional Finance
Obtained under the EU’s revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2), the license allows Gate.io to deepen the connection between digital assets and traditional financial institutions. Previously, Gate.io was authorized to offer exchange and custody services across EU states with its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license, obtained in 2025. Now, the company can also extend regulated payment services, anchored in legal certainty, to its European clients.
Giovanni Cunti, CEO of Gate Technology Ltd, underscored the significance of the development:
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This move stands out as a notable step for Gate.io, emphasizing its commitment to an EU-compliant business model and reinforcing its leadership among regulated cryptocurrency operators in Europe.
New Era for PayFi and Industry Trends
Gate.io’s integration as a first-layer partner of the Global Dollar Network signals a strategic shift toward “PayFi,” a rapidly developing segment where stablecoins are employed for real-time payments. Holding permissions under both MiCA and PSD2, the company is now equipped to offer new, regulated payment solutions for both retail and institutional customers through an organized account and transaction infrastructure.
Regulatory compliance and transparency have recently become paramount in the cryptocurrency space. Industry peers, including leading exchanges such as OKX, have also swiftly obtained similar licenses in Malta to launch new payments and card services. The EU’s digital finance strategies continue to focus on safeguarding retail investors and ensuring responsible sector growth.
Increasingly, practices like Proof of Reserves and thorough compliance processes are being adopted industry-wide, demonstrating a commitment to transparency. As the MiCA regulations are set for full implementation by mid-2026, stablecoin providers who meet legal requirements are emerging as frontrunners in the evolving digital payments landscape.
With this new license, Gate.io has made major headway towards building a regulated stablecoin network across the EU. The company’s efforts point to a broader trend of initiatives aiming to foster trust and long-term sustainability within the fast-changing digital finance ecosystem.
