Ellex Advises Robinhood on Establishing Its First European Hub in Lithuania

U.S. fintech leader Robinhood has announced a major step in its international expansion — the company’s first European hub has been established in Lithuania. Ellex experts advised the company on regulatory matters related to investment and crypto-asset services in order to obtain the necessary licenses for operation.

In April of this year, the Bank of Lithuania granted Robinhood Europe a Category A brokerage license, which allows the company to provide investment services such as receiving and transmitting orders, executing orders on behalf of clients, dealing on own account, and offering additional services.

Furthermore, in May of this year, the company obtained a crypto-asset service provider license, allowing it to receive and transmit orders related to crypto-assets, execute crypto-asset transactions on behalf of clients, safeguard and administer client crypto-assets, and perform crypto-asset transfers across the European Economic Area. This crypto-asset service provider license is the first of its kind in Lithuania, issued under the new EU Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.

Founded in 2013, Robinhood is one of the most well-known financial services companies in the U.S., listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange in New York. The company offers users the ability to trade stocks, ETF derivatives, and cryptocurrencies. Robinhood serves over 25 million customers worldwide.

Ellex supported Robinhood throughout the licensing process in Lithuania. The firm provided legal advice on the regulatory framework for investment and crypto-asset services and represented Robinhood Europe in successfully obtaining both licenses. This significant project was carried out by Ellex’ Banking and Finance law professionals: partners Ieva Dosinaitė and Neringa Mickevičiūtė, senior associates Jurgita Žiaušytė, Domantas Gudonis, Mindaugas Moskalionas, Vytautas Vosylius, and expert Lina Radavičienė.

The launch of Robinhood’s operations in Lithuania, following the successful granting of two licenses, marks one of the most significant developments in the fintech sector this year. We are proud to contribute to the launch of world-class fintech companies in Lithuania and to strengthen the country’s position as a regional leader in technological innovation.