Cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com has obtained a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license through its acquisition of Cyprus-based A.N. Allnew Investments Ltd, the operator of LegacyFX trading brand, the company announced today (Wednesday).
The acquisition, approved by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), allows Crypto.com to offer a broader range of traditional financial products to eligible users across the European Economic Area (EEA), including securities, derivatives, and contracts for difference (CFDs).
Crypto.com Acquires Allnew Investments, Secures MiFID License for European Expansion
The move follows Crypto.com’s January 2025 acquisition of a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license, which enabled the platform to passport its cryptocurrency services throughout the European region. These dual authorizations position the company to bridge traditional and digital asset markets under a unified regulatory framework.
“Securing a MiFID licence alongside our MiCA licence further solidifies Crypto.com’s position in offering the most comprehensive and regulated suite of financial products for users in the EEA,” said Kris Marszalek, Co-Founder and CEO of Crypto.com. “We have already expanded our brand presence in Europe since receiving our MiCA licence and we now look forward to providing customers across the region even more ways to engage with our platform through these new offerings.”
For Crypto.com, the MiFID license represents the latest addition to its growing regulatory portfolio. The company has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, previously purchasing Fintek Securities, Charterprime, Orion Principals, and SEC-registered broker-dealer Watchdog Capital.
CFDs Coming in Q3 2025
Plans to add CFDs are not merely theoretical. Crypto.com’s product roadmap includes the intention to launch FX, index, and commodities derivatives by the end of this year, most likely in the third quarter.
This suggests that the acquisition of LegacyFX, whose website remains active and which is licensed by CySEC under license number 344/17, was aimed directly at securing the regulatory approval needed to offer CFDs, which are popular in Europe.
Purchase-to-License
This acquisition aligns with a growing trend among major cryptocurrency exchanges seeking to diversify their service offerings through established regulatory channels. Rather than navigating lengthy application processes, these platforms are increasingly pursuing acquisitions of licensed entities as an entry point to regulated markets.
Crypto.com joins other major exchanges like Kraken in adopting this approach. Just one day prior, Kraken announced the launch of its own regulated derivatives trading under MiFID II through Payward Europe Digital Solutions, following its acquisition of futures platform NinjaTrader earlier this month.
The derivatives sector has become a focal point of expansion for cryptocurrency platforms seeking growth beyond spot trading. Earlier this month, U.S.-based Coinbase acquired derivatives platform Deribit, with CEO Brian Armstrong signaling continued interest in strategic acquisitions.
With both MiFID and MiCA licenses secured, Crypto.com now has the regulatory clearance to offer one of the most comprehensive product suites in the European cryptocurrency market.
Acquisition
Acquisition means acquiring or taking possession or the securing of property, services, or abilities. To put it simply, it is the act or process of acquiring or gaining. You can acquire a work of art, you can acquire an ability such as speaking another language, you can acquire a business or shares in a company and you can acquire an accountant’s service. For example, you can acquire a new car. In a broad sense, Acquisition can mean the act of taking ownership or possession of something.
CySEC
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) is a financial regulatory authority of Cyprus. CySEC is one of the key watchdog authorities for brokerages in Europe, whose financial regulations and operations comply with the European MiFID financial harmonization law.Founded in 2001, CySEC is instrumental in providing licensing and registration for forex brokers and previously binary options providers.CySEC is responsible for a variety of different functions, which includes the supervision