Gemini Launches Self-Custodial Smart Wallet with Winklevoss Twins' Backing

Gemini, a crypto exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, has launched Gemini Wallet, a self-custodial smart wallet that aims to simplify user access to Web3 protocols, DeFi platforms, and onchain applications. The wallet features passkey-based login, social recovery tools, and an integrated dashboard for exploring dapps and earning yield. Gemini is also covering gas fees on select blockchains and offering free ENS subdomains to users. The rollout is just the beginning of Gemini's onchain journey, with many more launches planned in the future.

Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has introduced the Gemini Wallet, a self-custodial smart wallet designed to simplify user access to Web3 protocols, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, and onchain applications. The wallet, available at onchain.gemini.com, aims to streamline the user experience by removing the need for separate apps or complex seed phrases [1].

Key features of the Gemini Wallet include passkey-based login for instant access via biometrics, social recovery tools to regain access without compromising privacy, and an integrated dashboard for exploring dapps, managing assets, and earning yield. Gemini is also covering gas fees on select blockchains for key actions and offering free ENS subdomains to all users [1].

The launch of the Gemini Wallet is part of Gemini's broader strategy to expand its onchain presence. According to Gemini's head of onchain, Eric Kuhn, the rollout is just the beginning of Gemini's journey into the onchain space, with many more launches planned in the future. An upcoming update will connect the wallet directly to users’ exchange accounts, enabling onchain trades without requiring separate deposits [1].

Gemini is partnering with several companies, including BlockAid, WalletConnect, Bungee, and Morpho, to support the launch of the wallet. The Defiant reported that Gemini is also expanding into DeFi with the upcoming launch of a platform dubbed Gemini Onchain, alongside the self-custodial wallet [1].

The introduction of the Gemini Wallet comes amidst a growing trend of competition in the crypto wallet space. Rival digital asset exchange Coinbase recently announced the rebrand and technological overhaul of its Base layer 2 ecosystem, transforming Coinbase Wallet into the Base App, an all-in-one platform merging finance, messaging, content creation, and decentralized applications under a single roof [1].

The Winklevoss twins’ investment in American Bitcoin, a mining company linked to the Trump family, further highlights the deepening ties between high-profile figures and the cryptocurrency industry. Gemini, preparing for its own public listing, filed a draft registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in June 2025 [3].

References:
[1] https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/08/14/billionaire-winklevoss-twins-backed-gemini-launches-self-custodial-smart-wallet
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/billionaire-winklevoss-twins-backed-gemini-130000358.html
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-winklevoss-twins-invest-trump-linked-bitcoin-miner-nasdaq-debut-2508/