- OKX Malta license aligns exchange operations with MiCA and PSD2 rules, effective March 2026.
- Approval supports OKX Pay and Mastercard-backed crypto card for EU stablecoin spending.
- STBL investment advances real-world asset-backed stablecoin issuance on X Layer blockchain.
OKX Malta License allows expanding stablecoin payment services across the European Union. The supports OKX Pay and a Mastercard-backed crypto card, to enable regulated spending for EU users.
Regulatory Alignment in Crypto-Assets and the Second Payment Services Directive
The OKX Malta license grants the exchange Payment Institution authorization within the European Union framework. The approval requirements will take effect in March 2026.
Under the updated rules, stablecoins are classified as electronic money tokens. Therefore, crypto service providers engaging in payment activities must hold either PI or EMI authorization.
The company confirmed the license allows continued stablecoin-related services across the European Economic Area. As a result, operations now meet both MiCA and PSD2 compliance standards.
OKX stated in a press release that the license strengthens its European regulatory structure. The firm added that compliance remains central to its regional expansion strategy.
Erald Ghoos, CEO of OKX Europe, said recently launched payment products require full regulatory alignment. His remarks were shared through corporate communications channels following the announcement.
Stablecoin Payments and Mastercard Partnership
The OKX Malta license directly supports the rollout of OKX Pay and the OKX Card in Europe. The card operates in partnership with Mastercard and targets real-world crypto spending.
Users can spend stablecoins at participating Mastercard merchants across the region. Assets remain in self-custody until checkout, then convert automatically at payment.
Conversion occurs with a reported 0.4% market spread at the point of sale. This mechanism allows direct settlement while maintaining blockchain-based custody before purchase.
The card also integrates with Apple Pay and Google Pay wallets. Eligible purchases may qualify for promotional crypto rewards of up to 20%.
Company updates shared on social media platforms noted that the card operates through a licensed European payments partner. Anti-money laundering and know-your-customer standards apply across all supported transactions.
Investment in STBL and Tokenized Credit Strategy
Beyond payments, the OKX Malta license complements broader infrastructure investment initiatives. The company’s venture arm recently backed stablecoin platform STBL.
STBL is building a real-world-asset-backed stablecoin on X Layer, OKX’s EVM-compatible layer-2 network. The framework focuses on linking tokenized assets with blockchain settlement systems.
The initiative involves private markets firm Hamilton Lane and digital securities platform Securitize. The structure includes tokenized exposure to Hamilton Lane’s Senior Credit Opportunities Fund.
This exposure is delivered through a feeder fund arrangement integrated with blockchain issuance. The structure supports regulated access to traditional credit markets via tokenized instruments.
Corporate statements noted that licensing efforts in Malta form part of a broader European compliance plan. The company has increased investment in regulated payment rails and tokenized financial products.
The OKX Malta license, therefore, connects traditional financial infrastructure with blockchain liquidity networks. As European regulation advances, the exchange positions its stablecoin services within a fully authorized framework.