Bitstamp, the longest-running cryptocurrency exchange, plans to roll out regulated crypto derivatives trading in Europe, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

With its long-standing focus on compliance, Bitstamp is one of a select group of crypto trading platforms to hold a Markets in Financial Instruments (MiFID) license, a pan-European regulatory framework for securities and derivatives trading, which was amended in 2022 to include crypto assets.

“With its MiFID license in Europe, Bitstamp plans to launch a fully regulated perpetual exchange offering,” one of the people said.

The arrival of regulatory clarity in Europe when it comes to crypto and tokens has prompted the planned introduction of crypto derivatives trading by firms with MiFID II licenses, such as Point72 Ventures-backed D2X and Backpack Exchange, which is in the process of acquisition of the remnants of FTX EU and its licenses.

The vast majority of the volume of crypto derivatives is offshore, and the purpose of these new players is to shift market dominance away from e.g. Panama-based centralized exchanges Deribit.

Last June, it was announced that fintech giant Robinhood would buy Bitstamp, whose future looks bright not only in Europe but also in the US, where it holds several state licenses, including a coveted New York State BitLicense.

Bitstamp declined to comment because the plans are not yet public.