Gemini Targets APAC Crypto Surge with Australian Launch

Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has officially expanded into Australia with the registration of its local entity, Gemini Intergalactic Australia Pty Ltd, with AUSTRAC, the country's financial intelligence and anti-money laundering regulator. This move enables Australian users to trade cryptocurrencies using AUD, aligning with the region's growing adoption of digital assets. The exchange has appointed James Logan as Head of Australia, leveraging his prior experience in the crypto sector, including roles at Luno and Bitget.

The expansion follows Gemini's recent Nasdaq IPO in September 2025, which raised $425 million, and reflects the company's broader Asia-Pacific growth strategy. Australia's crypto adoption rate has surged to 31% in 2025, up from 28% in 2024, driven by retail and institutional demand. Gemini's entry into the market positions it to capitalize on this trend, offering localized services such as AUD trading pairs and integration with Australian payment rails like Osko and the New Payments Platform (NPP). The exchange's compliance with AUSTRAC requirements ensures alignment with Australia's AML/CTF regulations, a prerequisite for operating in the jurisdiction.

The APAC region, including Australia, has emerged as a global leader in crypto adoption, with trading volumes in the Asia-Pacific growing 69% year-over-year to $2.36 trillion in June 2025. South Korea, Vietnam, and India are key contributors to this growth, with South Korea's retail investors driving a persistent premium on Bitcoin prices relative to global averages. Gemini's localized approach in Australia mirrors its strategy to adapt to regional regulatory frameworks and user preferences, as seen in its recent EU expansion under the MiCA regulation.

Gemini's APAC head, Saad Ahmed, emphasized the strategic importance of Australia in the company's global expansion, stating that the market's "rapidly growing digital asset ecosystem" justifies a dedicated local presence. The exchange's integration with Australian payment systems is expected to enhance transaction speed and reduce costs for users, while its compliance infrastructure, including localized teams in Sydney, aims to streamline regulatory engagement.

Australia's regulatory environment is also evolving to support crypto growth. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) recently introduced temporary licensing relief for stablecoin distributors, easing compliance barriers until 2028. Gemini's pursuit of an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) will further expand its product offerings, though the timeline for approvals remains contingent on ongoing government consultations.

The move underscores the shifting dynamics of global crypto markets, with institutional and retail liquidity increasingly concentrating in Asia. Offshore exchanges like Binance and OKX have seen rising transaction volumes, while stablecoin adoption in Asia has surged, with 56% of firms in the region using stablecoins for business operations. Gemini's entry into Australia aligns with these trends, positioning it to compete in a market where digital assets are increasingly integrated into corporate treasuries and everyday financial activities.

[1] Gemini Expands Operations in Australia with AUSTRAC Registration (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/10/09/gemini-expands-operations-in-australia-with-austrac-registration)

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[3] Gemini Expands Into Australia With Local Crypto Exchange Launch (https://cryptonews.com/news/gemini-expands-into-australia-with-local-crypto-exchange-launch/)

[4] Asia-Pacific Surges Ahead in Global Crypto Adoption With $2.36T ... (https://www.analyticsinsight.net/news/asia-pacific-surges-ahead-in-global-crypto-adoption-with-236t-trading-volume)

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[9] Gemini Expands to Australia Weeks After Nasdaq IPO (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gemini-expands-australia-weeks-nasdaq-090216326.html)