OKX Secures Malta License to Offer Stablecoin Services in the EU Under MiCA

The company plans to expand its payment offerings, including OKX Pay and a crypto card launched in partnership with Mastercard.

OKX obtains Malta payment license to provide stablecoin services in the EU

16.02.2026 - 09:45

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2 min

Key points:

OKX has secured a Payment Institution (PI) license in Malta, allowing it to operate with stablecoins under EU regulatory frameworks.
The license is required to comply with MiCA and PSD2 rules governing crypto payments in the European Union.

Crypto exchange OKX has obtained a Payment Institution (PI) license in Malta. The approval allows the company to operate in line with new European Union regulations set to take effect in March.

According to a company press release, the license authorizes OKX to provide payment services involving stablecoins across the EU. The exchange will operate under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation and the Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2).

Under updated PSD2 rules, crypto service providers conducting payment transactions with stablecoins classified as electronic money tokens (EMTs) must hold either a PI license or an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) authorization. Without one of these licenses, such services cannot legally be offered within the EU.

Focus on Everyday Crypto Payments

OKX Europe CEO Erald Ghoos commented:

“Recently, we launched real-world payment products, including OKX Pay and our OKX Card. These solutions make stablecoins practical for everyday transactions. Securing the Payment Institution license ensures that our services fully comply with regulatory requirements.”

Late last month, OKX partnered with Mastercard to launch a crypto payment card in Europe. The company continues to promote the integration of stablecoins into mainstream financial services.

In addition, OKX’s investment arm, OKX Ventures, recently backed STBL, a platform focused on stablecoin issuance. The move highlights the exchange’s strategic interest in expanding digital payment infrastructure.

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