Not Relying on Scale, But Compliance Strength: Gate Secures 12 Global Licenses, Closing in on Binance and OKX

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As the cryptocurrency industry matures, regulatory frameworks around the world are becoming increasingly robust. From the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) stringent enforcement actions to the European Union’s landmark Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, and tighter oversight across Asia, compliance has emerged as a core competitive advantage for crypto exchanges—and a critical benchmark investors use to assess platform stability.

While Gate lags behind industry giants like Binance and OKX in trading volume and market share, it has been making significant strides in one crucial area: global compliance. As of April 2025, Gate’s various legal entities have secured or completed registration for 12 licenses, approvals, or authorizations across 11 jurisdictions, positioning itself as a serious player in the race for regulatory legitimacy.

👉 Discover how leading exchanges are navigating global compliance—click to learn more.

Gate’s Growing Global Compliance Footprint

Gate’s licensed operations now span key financial hubs and emerging crypto markets, including:

This diverse portfolio reflects a strategic focus on aligning with high-standard regulatory environments—not just where it's easy to operate, but where credibility matters most.

A major milestone came in April 2025, when Gate Technology FZE, the Dubai-based entity of Gate, obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This approval allows Gate to offer crypto trading services to institutional investors, qualified investors, and retail users under full regulatory oversight.

Why VARA Matters

Established in 2022, VARA is the world’s first independent regulator dedicated solely to virtual assets. Its mission is to create a clear, innovation-friendly regulatory framework that promotes transparency, consumer protection, and market integrity.

The VARA VASP license is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and prestigious credentials in the industry. To earn it, companies must demonstrate strict adherence to:

Holding this license not only strengthens Gate’s reputation but also opens doors to broader Middle Eastern and international markets where regulatory trust is paramount.

The Strategic Value of Compliance

Despite increasing harmonization efforts, the global crypto regulatory landscape remains fragmented. Rules vary significantly between regions—what’s permitted in one country may be restricted or banned in another. For exchanges, this creates complexity. Yet, this fragmentation is gradually giving way to clearer standards, especially in major economies.

Gate.io’s founder and CEO, Dr. Han, has consistently emphasized a “compliance-first” approach across all markets where the exchange operates. In past interviews, he stated that Gate aims not just to meet regulations—but to exceed them—ensuring users receive a secure and trustworthy trading experience.

This philosophy aligns with growing consumer expectations. According to research by Coincover, a UK-based digital asset protection and insurance provider, lack of regulatory compliance severely undermines trust: 30% of consumers say they do not trust unregulated crypto platforms at all.

In an industry still battling skepticism, compliance isn’t just about legal obligation—it’s a powerful tool for building user confidence and long-term brand value.

How Gate Compares to Industry Leaders

While Binance leads with 21 global registrations and OKX follows closely with 15, Gate’s 12 licenses place it among the top tier of compliant exchanges—outpacing competitors like Bitget (9) and Bybit (6).

More importantly, Gate’s licensing strategy focuses on quality over quantity. Rather than seeking approvals in loosely regulated jurisdictions, it targets regions with strong oversight and growing investor bases—such as Dubai, Australia, and the EU under MiCA.

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This deliberate pace suggests sustainability rather than rapid expansion at the cost of risk. As regulators crack down on non-compliant platforms, exchanges with solid licensing foundations will be best positioned to thrive.

👉 See how top-tier exchanges maintain compliance while scaling globally.

Why Compliance Is the New Competitive Edge

In the early days of crypto, exchanges competed primarily on liquidity, listing speed, and trading features. Today, those factors remain important—but they’re no longer enough.

With increasing institutional interest—from hedge funds to pension funds—exchanges must now prove they can operate within regulated financial systems. Banks, custodians, and payment processors are far more willing to partner with licensed platforms.

Moreover, compliant exchanges gain access to traditional advertising channels, banking services, and even fiat on-ramps that are often denied to unregulated ones.

For retail users, too, compliance translates into real benefits:

These advantages compound over time, creating a flywheel effect: more trust → more users → more liquidity → stronger market position.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does a VASP license allow Gate to do?
A: A VASP license from VARA permits Gate to legally provide crypto trading services in Dubai to retail investors, qualified individuals, and institutions—all under strict regulatory supervision.

Q: Is Gate fully regulated in the United States?
A: As of now, Gate does not hold a U.S. federal or state-level crypto license. It restricts certain services for U.S. residents in compliance with local regulations.

Q: How does MiCA affect Gate’s operations?
A: While Gate holds licenses in several EU countries (e.g., Italy, Lithuania), its full MiCA compliance status is evolving. The exchange continues to adapt its European offerings to meet EU-wide standards.

Q: Why is Dubai becoming a crypto hub?
A: Dubai offers a clear regulatory framework through VARA, tax incentives, political stability, and infrastructure supportive of fintech innovation—making it attractive for global crypto firms.

Q: Can users trust a licensed exchange more than an unlicensed one?
A: Yes. Licensing requires rigorous audits, capital reserves, and security measures. While no platform is risk-free, licensed exchanges undergo third-party scrutiny that significantly reduces operational and fraud risks.

Q: Does having more licenses mean an exchange is better?
A: Not necessarily. The quality and jurisdiction of licenses matter more than sheer numbers. A license from a reputable regulator like VARA or MAS carries more weight than multiple approvals from low-transparency regions.

Looking Ahead: Compliance as a Gateway to Growth

As the crypto industry evolves from its Wild West roots into a regulated financial ecosystem, exchanges that prioritize compliance will lead the next phase of adoption.

Gate’s pursuit of 12 global licenses signals more than ambition—it reflects a long-term vision of sustainable growth through trust, transparency, and adherence to global standards.

While it may not dominate in trading volume today, its regulatory momentum positions it well for future opportunities: partnerships with traditional finance players, expansion into new markets, and deeper integration into the global digital economy.

👉 Explore how compliant platforms are shaping the future of crypto—start here.

For users and investors alike, the message is clear: in a world where regulation shapes legitimacy, compliance isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of lasting success.