OKX snags European payments license for stablecoin and crypto card expansion

Policy Share Share this article Copy link X icon X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook Email OKX snags European payments license for stablecoin and crypto card expansion The Payments Institution license, gained in Malta, aligns the exchange with European Union regulatory requirements that take effect in March 2026. By Ian Allison | Edited by Sheldon Reback Feb 16, 2026, 8:00 a.m. Make us preferred on Google OKX secured a European payments license from Malta (OKX Press Office/Modified by CoinDesk) What to know : The payments institution (PI) license brings OKX into compliance with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation and the Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2). Crypto firms conducting payments with stablecoins, which are legally classified as electronic money tokens (EMTs), must hold a PI or electronic money institution (EMI) authorization. Cryptocurrency exchange OKX has obtained a payment institution (PI) license in Malta, aligning with European Union regulatory requirements that take effect in March. STORY CONTINUES BELOW Don't miss another story. Subscribe to the State of Crypto Newsletter today . See all newsletters Sign me up By signing up, you will receive emails about CoinDesk products and you agree to our terms & conditions and privacy policy . The license allows OKX to continue offering stablecoin-related payment services across the EU in full compliance with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation and the Second Payment Services Directive ( PSD2 ), the company said in a press release on Monday. Under the updated PSD2 framework, crypto-asset service providers engaging in payment activities involving stablecoins, legally classified as electronic money tokens (EMTs), must hold a PI or electronic money institution (EMI) authorization. "We have recently launched real-world payment products, including OKX Pay and our OKX Card, that bring stablecoins into everyday use. Securing a Payment Institution license ensures that these products operate on a fully compliant footing,” said Erald Ghoos, CEO of OKX Europe. At the end of last month, OKX introduced a crypto payment card in Europe in association with Mastercard. The exchange is enthusiastic about stablecoins entering mainstream finance. OKX Ventures, the firm’s innovation investment arm, recently backed stablecoin issuance platform STBL. OKX Malta Crypto Exchanges Licensing More For You Accelerating Convergence Between Traditional and On-Chain Finance in 2026? By CoinDesk Jan 30, 2026 Commissioned by Societe Generale-FORGE Read full story More For You Hong Kong is trying to build up its crypto regulations: State of Crypto By Nikhilesh De | Edited by Sheldon Reback 13 hours ago Several leaders in Hong Kong announced efforts to advance the region's regulatory environment. Read full story Latest Crypto News Crypto market drowns in red as bitcoin falls to $68,000 1 hour ago Wall Street giant Apollo deepens crypto push with Morpho token deal 11 hours ago Hong Kong is trying to build up its crypto regulations: State of Crypto 13 hours ago Prediction markets vs. insider trading: Founders admit blockchain transparency is the only defense 14 hours ago BlackRock's digital assets head: Leverage-driven volatility threatens bitcoin’s narrative 18 hours ago XRP outruns bitcoin, ether after investors piled into the recent crash 18 hours ago Top Stories Elon Musk's X to launch crypto and stock trading in ‘couple weeks’ Feb 14, 2026 Wall Street remains bullish on bitcoin while offshore traders retreat 20 hours ago Crypto group counters Wall Street bankers with its own stablecoin principles for bill Feb 13, 2026 Recapping Consensus Hong Kong Feb 13, 2026 Trump-linked Truth Social seeks SEC approval for two crypto ETFs Feb 13, 2026 Wall Street analysts slash Coinbase price targets after Q4 miss — but shares rally Feb 13, 2026