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

Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has expanded its services in the European Economic Area (EEA) with the launch of staking and derivatives offerings, marking a significant step in its European strategy. The exchange now enables EEA users to stake Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL), while also providing access to perpetual futures contracts denominated in USDC. These developments follow Gemini’s regulatory approvals under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) in Malta and the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) in May 2025. Gemini’s Europe head, Mark Jennings, emphasized the company’s goal of becoming a major player in the European crypto market by offering a comprehensive suite of products from a single interface.

The new staking and derivatives offerings are part of a broader trend in the crypto market, where derivatives have gained traction amid a decline in spot trading volumes. Despite a rise in Bitcoin prices in 2025, spot trading volumes in the first two quarters of the year fell by 32%, reaching $3.6 trillion in Q2 according to TokenInsight. In contrast, crypto derivatives volumes reached $20.2 trillion during the same period. Jennings noted that the global derivatives market is projected to be worth $23 trillion by the end of 2025, driven by increasing demand for risk-managed financial instruments as crypto adoption grows.

Ethereum staking has also seen a surge in the EU, partly due to the regulatory framework established by MiCA. According to a June 2025 study by CoinLaw, EU staking participation increased by 39% in 2025, compared to a 22% increase in non-EU regions. Gemini Staking offers variable returns for ETH and up to 6% for SOL, with no minimum deposit required. The service is available to both retail and institutional investors and is expected to attract professional retail users seeking passive income opportunities. CoinLaw’s data also showed that Ethereum staking deposits in the EU surged by 28% in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching a total staked value of $90 billion.

Gemini’s new product, Gemini Perpetuals, is a derivatives offering that allows users to trade perpetual futures contracts with up to 100x leverage and no expiry date. The product operates under Gemini’s MiFID II license and is denominated in USDC. It is part of the company’s effort to diversify its offerings and cater to a broad range of investors, from those seeking passive income to active traders. Jennings highlighted the importance of derivatives in enabling users to execute complex strategies to gain long or short exposure to crypto.

The expansion into the EU aligns with Gemini’s strategic focus on Europe as a growth market. The company recently transitioned to a Malta-based entity to comply with MiCA regulations, a move that reflects its commitment to operating within a regulatory framework. Gemini has also taken steps to reinforce its position in the UK, where it expanded staking services for all customers, allowing them to earn rewards on ETH and SOL. The company’s regulatory compliance is a key factor in its ability to serve a global user base and provide a secure and transparent environment for trading and staking.

In parallel with its European expansion, Gemini has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in the U.S., aiming to raise up to $317 million and value the firm at approximately $2.22 billion. The IPO plans include the offering of 16.67 million shares priced between $17 and $19 each, with underwriters also having the option to purchase an additional 2.5 million shares. The filing marks a pivotal moment for the Winklevoss twins’ company, which has faced regulatory scrutiny in the past, including a dispute with Genesis, a now-bankrupt lender. The IPO comes as crypto companies return to public markets, following listings by Circle and eToro. Gemini’s IPO is expected to attract investors betting on the wider adoption of digital assets, though the company has noted that the offering is contingent on market conditions.

Gemini’s European initiatives, including staking and derivatives, are part of its broader vision to democratize access to alternative, risk-managed financial instruments. The company’s regulatory compliance and focus on security are key differentiators in the competitive crypto exchange market. As Europe continues to emerge as a significant hub for crypto innovation and adoption, Gemini’s expanded offerings are positioned to meet the growing demand for diverse financial tools in the region. The company’s ability to offer a full suite of products, from spot trading to staking and derivatives, underscores its commitment to serving both retail and institutional investors in the EEA.

Source:

[1] Gemini launches derivatives and ETH, SOL staking in Europe (https://cointelegraph.com/news/gemini-crypto-derivatives-europe-launch)

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

[3] Gemini Expands EU Operations, Launches ETH and SOL Staking and Perpetuals (https://www.panewslab.com/en/articles/26a7bffa-bff5-420b-be2e-6e21e692dc4f)

[4] Gemini Targets $317 Million in IPO, Valuing Exchange at $2.22 Billion (https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/gemini-targets-317-million-in-ipo-valuing-exchange-at-22-billion/)