Gemini’s Announcement
Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has expanded its offerings in the European Economic Area by introducing Ethereum and Solana staking alongside a new suite of derivative products. According to Gemini’s official blog announcement, the expansion is part of its broader strategy to grow its footprint in Europe and align with the EU’s developing regulatory framework under MiCA.
A spokesperson for Gemini was quoted by Coinspeaker saying the move responds to “strong demand among European users for institutional-grade crypto products that combine compliance with innovation.”
Staking and Derivatives Rollout
The new services include direct staking of Ethereum and Solana through the Gemini platform, giving retail and institutional customers access to yield within a regulated environment. In addition, Gemini has introduced futures and structured products that meet European regulatory guidelines. AInvest reported that the derivatives rollout will initially focus on ETH and SOL, with the potential for additional assets depending on market demand and clearance from regulators.
Building a European Hub
Gemini has been steadily increasing its EU presence. The company already operates a regulated hub in Ireland and has been preparing for MiCA, which will introduce uniform digital asset rules across the EU in 2025. According to Cointelegraph, Gemini’s strategy positions it as one of the first U.S.-based exchanges to fully align with MiCA standards, giving it a competitive edge in Europe’s emerging regulatory landscape.
Industry analysts argue that Gemini’s push could also be a response to challenges in its home market. The exchange is still facing lawsuits from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over its Earn program, making Europe a more favorable jurisdiction for growth.
Competitive Landscape
By offering both staking and derivatives under a regulated umbrella, Gemini has created a product suite that many competitors in the EU currently lack. Exchanges such as Kraken and Bitstamp offer staking services, while Binance has scaled back derivatives in some jurisdictions due to compliance issues. Analysts cited by AInvest suggested that Gemini’s expansion will put pressure on European incumbents to accelerate their MiCA-compliant offerings.
Regulatory Context
The timing of Gemini’s expansion is closely tied to the rollout of MiCA, which will create a single licensing system across the EU. Legal experts quoted by Coinspeaker noted that staking services under MiCA must include strong risk disclosures and governance frameworks. One analyst said, “The days of opaque staking yields are over in Europe. Exchanges that package staking within a compliant model will gain a first-mover advantage.”
Why It Matters
Staking and derivatives are two of the fastest-growing segments of the digital asset market. Ethereum’s proof-of-stake upgrade has made staking increasingly popular, while Solana’s performance has drawn attention from developers and investors alike. Derivatives, meanwhile, remain essential for hedging and speculation in institutional markets.
By combining these services under MiCA standards, Gemini is sending a signal that Europe could become one of the most important battlegrounds for crypto exchanges seeking institutional adoption.
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