TechFlow News — FTX Europe (also known as FTX EU) today announced it has received approval from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) to operate as a Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF), making FTX the only cryptocurrency exchange globally operating under the MiFID II framework. This approval also allows FTX Europe to fully own its previously acquired local investment firm, enabling expansion of its European operations.
CySEC is recognized as a regulatory authority compliant with Europe’s Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), featuring a well-established regulatory framework and clear oversight, now serving as a benchmark for investment security regulation. With CySEC authorization, FTX gains compliant access to the European market. Previously, FTX Europe had already offered crypto derivatives to European users through the acquisition of a local entity.
The newly obtained license permits FTX Europe to operate as a regulated Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF), requiring compliance with Europe's Markets in Financial Instruments Directive framework—commonly referred to as MiFID II.
Notably, MiFID II imposes significantly higher regulatory standards than those applicable to standalone crypto exchanges. Going forward, FTX Europe will be required to meet elevated requirements for operational transparency and capital adequacy, including safeguarding and protecting client funds.
