OKX Secures European License to Expand Crypto Payments

OKX, one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges, has secured a full European Payments Institution (PI) license from Malta. This license allows the company to expand stablecoin payments and its crypto card business across Europe. It also makes OKX one of the first major global crypto exchanges to hold this type of license.

What the License Means

The PI license, granted under MiCA regulations, allows OKX users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to spend stablecoins directly. Users can now make payments from their crypto balances without converting to fiat first.

The license also supports the OKX Card (EEA version). Cardholders can spend stablecoins at over 150 million merchants that accept Mastercard. Merchants receive payment in euros, while users pay from their crypto accounts.

Strategic Timing Ahead of Compliance Deadlines

This license comes ahead of the MiCA stablecoin and CASP compliance deadlines set for March 2026. OKX had already obtained MiCA CASP licensing in early 2025 and has passporting rights across 30 EEA countries. The new PI license completes OKX’s framework for regulated payment services under both MiCA and PSD2 rules.

By combining the CASP license with the PI license, OKX now offers a fully regulated pathway for crypto payments and card services in Europe.

Why This Matters for Users and Merchants

For users, this means a smoother experience when spending crypto in daily life. They can use stablecoins for online or in-store purchases without extra conversion steps.

For merchants, the process is simple and safe. They receive fiat (euros) automatically, eliminating the complexity of handling cryptocurrencies directly. This encourages more businesses to accept crypto payments while staying compliant with European regulations.

OKX’s European Ambitions

This move shows OKX’s strong commitment to Europe and regulatory compliance. By securing a PI license, the exchange positions itself as a trusted and fully regulated crypto payments provider in the region.

As MiCA rules take full effect, OKX is well-prepared to meet compliance requirements and expand its crypto services for European users. The new license also strengthens OKX’s card business, making crypto spending accessible to millions of merchants across the continent.