Ethereum News Today: Gemini Stakes Claim in Europe as Crypto Shifts to Derivatives and Staking

Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, has introduced ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL) staking services alongside USDC-denominated perpetual futures for customers in the European Union. This development was announced by the firm following its approval under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and its compliance with the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) framework[1].

The staking services allow users to earn rewards on their ETH and SOL holdings with no minimum amount required. Rewards vary for ETH, while SOL offers up to a 6% return. The perpetual futures contracts, a new derivatives product, feature USDC as the denominated asset, provide leverage of up to 100x, and have no expiry date. These contracts are governed under Gemini’s MiFID II license[1].

Gemini’s expansion into these services reflects its broader strategic focus on Europe, which the company views as a key market for regulated crypto trading and investment products. The firm has shifted its EU operations to a Malta-based entity to align with MiCA requirements, emphasizing its commitment to regulatory compliance in the region[1].

Mark Jennings, Gemini's head of Europe, stated the firm is "one of the few European crypto exchanges to offer this diverse suite of products with an intuitive, secure platform." He emphasized Gemini’s mission to democratize access to alternative, risk-managed financial instruments. The launch coincided with Gemini’s filing for an initial public offering in the U.S., where it seeks to raise up to $317 million by selling 16.67 million shares priced between $17 and $19[1].

The expansion into derivatives is part of a broader trend as spot trading volumes have declined. According to TokenInsight, global spot trading volumes dropped 32% in the first two quarters of 2025, while derivatives trading volumes reached $20.2 trillion, compared to $3.6 trillion for spot. Gemini’s perpetual futures offering aligns with the increasing demand for derivatives, which are projected to reach a market value of $23 trillion by the end of 2025[2].

In the realm of staking, data from CoinLaw reveals that Ethereum staking deposits in the EU surged by 28% in 2025, reaching $90 billion in total staked ETH. This growth is attributed to MiCA's impact on institutional staking activity, which saw a 39% surge in EU participation compared to 22% in non-EU regions. Gemini Staking is available to both retail and institutional investors, with Jennings noting its appeal to sophisticated retail investors seeking passive income from a single, integrated platform[2].

The regulatory framework in the EU continues to shape the landscape for crypto products. While derivatives are directly regulated under MiFID II, staking is indirectly governed under MiCA, which took full effect in late 2024. This regulatory clarity is driving institutional interest and fostering a more structured market environment for crypto financial instruments[2].

Gemini’s entry into the EU with a full suite of products, including spot trading, staking, and perpetual futures, positions it as a serious contender in the European market. The firm’s recent expansion into the U.K. and its growing focus on derivatives and staking services underscore its intent to capture a significant share of the evolving crypto ecosystem in Europe[1].

Source: [1] Crypto Exchange Gemini Expands EU Offering with Staking Perpetuals (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/09/05/crypto-exchange-gemini-expands-eu-offering-with-staking-perpetuals) [2] Gemini Launches Derivatives and ETH, SOL Staking in Europe (https://cointelegraph.com/news/gemini-crypto-derivatives-europe-launch)