Gate Secures Malta Payment Institution License, Expands EU Reach
Gate Technology Ltd, the Malta-based arm of the Gate Group, has obtained a Payment Institution (PI) license from the Malta Financial Services Authority, marking another step in the exchange’s regulatory expansion across Europe.
- Gate secured a Payment Institution license in Malta under PSD2.
- It can now offer regulated fiat payments and stablecoin-linked services across the EU via passporting rights.
- The approval complements its MiCA license, strengthening its regulated presence in Europe.
The authorization was granted under the EU’s Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2), allowing Gate to offer regulated fiat payment services throughout the bloc. With this approval, the company can now integrate traditional payment infrastructure more directly with its digital asset operations.
What the PI License Allows
Under the new license, Gate is authorized to maintain payment accounts and execute transactions such as credit transfers and direct debits. It can also facilitate stablecoin-based payment services that connect crypto rails with conventional banking systems.
Crucially, the approval grants “passporting” rights, meaning Gate can provide these regulated services across all EU member states without applying for separate national licenses. This significantly streamlines its expansion strategy within the European single market.
Building a Bridge Between Web3 and Traditional Finance
Gate’s leadership described the license as a structural move to strengthen connections between legacy finance and blockchain infrastructure. The PI authorization complements the company’s broader regulatory framework in Malta and across the EU.
In October 2025, Gate secured a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license, enabling it to provide exchange and custody services across the European Union. The new PI license adds the fiat payment layer to that framework, positioning the exchange to offer a more vertically integrated service stack.
Part of a Wider Industry Trend
Gate joins other major global exchanges, including OKX, in obtaining Payment Institution approvals to support products such as crypto-linked debit cards and seamless fiat-to-stablecoin rails.
Malta has played a central role in Gate’s regulatory journey. The exchange first obtained a VFA Class 4 license in 2022, allowing crypto-to-crypto trading and custody services. With the MiCA license in 2025 and now the PI approval in 2026, the company has steadily expanded its compliance footprint within the EU framework.
The latest development signals that competition among exchanges is increasingly focused not only on trading volumes but also on regulated payment infrastructure — a key battleground as crypto platforms move deeper into mainstream financial services.
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Alexander Zdravkov is a market analyst and crypto journalist with interests in economics, broader financial markets and digital assets. His journey into crypto began more than four years ago, driven by a fascination with the rapid evolution of blockchain technology and the transformative potential of decentralized finance. He began analyzing market cycles and identifying emerging trends before they reach the mainstream. He holds a degree in International Relations - a background that helped shape his broader perspective on global economics, geopolitics, and the interconnected nature of modern financial markets. Whether covering the latest developments in the crypto sector or exploring broader macroeconomic themes, Alexander focuses on giving readers context rather than simply repeating headlines. During his career, he has authored more than 10,000 articles covering cryptocurrencies, traditional finance, and global market developments. His work spans everything from Bitcoin and altcoins to macroeconomic trends influencing risk assets worldwide.
