Gemini's Compliance-First Strategy Positions Crypto as Mainstream Asset in Australia

Gemini's strategic expansion into Australia has gained momentum following its formal registration with AUSTRAC, the country's financial intelligence and anti-money laundering (AML) regulator. The move, announced on October 8, 2025, enables the exchange to offer direct Australian dollar (AUD) trading via local banking integrations, including the New Payments Platform (NPP) and PayID. This eliminates the need for cross-border SWIFT transfers to U.S. accounts, streamlining deposits and reducing transaction times for Australian users. Gemini Intergalactic Australia Pty Ltd, the exchange's locally registered entity, now complies with baseline AML obligations, marking a critical step in its compliance-first approach to market entry Gemini Could Enable Direct Bitcoin Trading in Australia After AUSTRAC Registration and AUD Integration^[1].

The adoption of local payment rails aligns with Gemini's broader strategy to enhance accessibility for both retail and institutional clients. By integrating NPP and PayID, the exchange facilitates instant interbank transfers and simplified account-to-account payments, significantly improving the user experience compared to prior methods. Additionally, Gemini's APAC head, Saad Ahmed, highlighted the move as a response to Australia's growing crypto adoption, with 22% of the population owning digital assets, a figure comparable to U.S. adoption rates Gemini Expands Australia Push as New Crypto Rules Loom^[2]. This market potential, coupled with regulatory clarity, underpins Gemini's decision to establish a Sydney-based team and appoint James Logan, a former executive at Luno and Bitget, to lead local operations Gemini Could Expand Australia Presence After AUSTRAC Registration May Seek AFSL While Watching Crypto Law Consultation^[3].

Gemini is also pursuing an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to expand its product offerings. The AFSL would enable the exchange to introduce regulated services such as crypto staking, derivatives for wholesale clients, and potentially crypto-linked credit cards. While the company has not yet launched these services, it emphasized a phased rollout contingent on regulatory approvals. Ahmed noted that the Albanese government's draft legislation, which seeks to extend financial oversight to crypto firms, will influence the timeline for these expansions Crypto Exchange Gemini Expands Offering in Australia^[4].

The exchange's cautious approach to regulatory engagement reflects its focus on long-term sustainability. Unlike some industry peers, Gemini has opted to observe the government's consultation process on proposed crypto laws rather than engage in aggressive lobbying. Ahmed stated the company aims to remain "customer-focused" while ensuring compliance with evolving standards. This strategy, he argued, positions Gemini to adapt swiftly to regulatory changes while maintaining trust in a competitive market Gemini Expands in Australia, Registers Local Entity with AUSTRAC^[5].

Australia's crypto ecosystem is poised for growth, with Gemini's entry signaling increased institutional-grade participation. The exchange's emphasis on liquidity, regulatory rigor, and brand trust differentiates it from less established operators. Analysts note that Gemini's AUSTRAC registration and local infrastructure could attract mainstream investors, further legitimizing digital assets as a mainstream asset class. As the company works toward AFSL approval, its ability to integrate advanced services-such as staking and lending-will likely shape its market position in the coming months Gemini Expands Australia Push as New Crypto Rules Loom^[6].