Ethereum News Today: Gemini Aims to Dominate EU Crypto Market with Staking, Derivatives Boost

Gemini has launched new offerings in the European Economic Area (EEA) that include staking for Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL), as well as perpetual contracts denominated in USDC, a stablecoin issued by Circle. The exchange’s move aligns with its broader strategy to expand in the European market, following regulatory approvals under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) in Malta and the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) in May. Mark Jennings, Gemini's head of Europe, emphasized the company’s goal to become a leading exchange in the region, offering a comprehensive suite of products through a single platform.

Gemini Staking, available to both retail and institutional investors, allows users to earn passive income with no minimum staking amount required. Rewards for Ethereum vary depending on market conditions, while Solana offers up to 6% in returns. Gemini Perpetuals, the new derivatives product, enables users to trade contracts in USDC with up to 100x leverage and no expiry dates. These products are regulated under Gemini’s MiFID II license, reflecting the firm’s compliance with European financial regulations.

The derivatives expansion is part of a broader industry shift, as spot trading volumes have declined while demand for derivatives has surged. According to TokenInsight, crypto spot trading volumes fell by 32% in the first two quarters of 2025, amounting to $3.6 trillion. In contrast, derivatives trading volumes reached $20.2 trillion in the same period. Gemini's head of Europe cited these figures to highlight the growing appeal of derivatives as crypto adoption expands, with users increasingly seeking risk-managed financial instruments to execute complex strategies.

Ethereum staking has also experienced a notable rise in the EU, driven by regulatory developments under MiCA, which became fully enforceable in late 2024. A June study by CoinLaw revealed that EU staking participation increased by 39% in 2025, compared to a 22% growth rate in non-EU regions. In particular, Ethereum staking deposits in the EU surged by 28% in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching a total of $90 billion. This growth is attributed to increasing institutional participation and regulatory clarity in the region.

Gemini’s EEA expansion comes shortly after the company filed for an initial public offering in the United States. The exchange plans to offer 16.67 million shares at a price range of $17 to $19 per share, aiming to raise up to $317 million. The IPO, which would be one of the year’s most prominent in the crypto sector, underscores the firm’s ambition to scale its operations. The filing indicates a projected market valuation of approximately $2.1 billion at the midpoint of the offering range, with Tyler Winklevoss set to serve as CEO and Cameron Winklevoss as president.

Source:

[1] Crypto Exchange Gemini Expands EU Offering ... (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/09/05/crypto-exchange-gemini-expands-eu-offering-with-staking-perpetuals)

[2] The Winklevoss Twins Are Behind Crypto's Next Big IPO. ... (https://www.investopedia.com/the-winklevoss-twins-are-behind-crypto-s-next-big-ipo-here-s-what-you-need-to-know-gemini-11803355)