Institutional Demand Drives Gemini's Local Australia Crypto Expansion

Gemini has launched a fully localized cryptocurrency exchange in Australia, marking its strategic expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. The New York-based firm, founded by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, established Gemini Intergalactic Australia, which is now registered with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) as a digital currency provider. This move aligns with Australia's rising crypto adoption rate, which reached 31% in 2025, up from 28% in 2024, according to the Australian Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index . The company's local operation aims to serve both retail and institutional clients with features tailored to Australian banking systems and regulatory requirements.

Gemini's entry into Australia follows its $425 million Nasdaq IPO in September 2025, one of the year's largest listings in the digital asset sector. The firm's APAC head, Saad Ahmed, emphasized the strategic rationale for a local presence, noting significant demand from Australian institutions such as family offices and fintech startups. "Having a team on the ground, building a business that's localized and optimized for Australian users, makes sense for us," Ahmed stated during the TOKEN2049 conference in Singapore . The local entity will facilitate direct trading in Australian dollars through integrated payment systems like NPP and PayID, eliminating the need for cross-border transfers to Gemini's U.S. accounts .

The expansion coincides with regulatory developments in Australia. In September 2025, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) introduced temporary class relief for stablecoin distributors, allowing intermediaries to operate without additional licensing until June 2028, provided the stablecoin is issued by an AFS-licensed entity. Catena Digital Pty Ltd, the first beneficiary, launched the AUDM stablecoin under this framework . Gemini has also appointed James Logan, former Luno Country Manager, as its Head of Australia to oversee local strategy and partnerships .

Australia's crypto market is increasingly attractive to global firms due to its robust financial infrastructure and regulatory clarity. The country's adoption rate of 31% mirrors that of the U.S., with growing interest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets. Institutional demand is a key driver, with Ahmed highlighting that Australian investors seek "secure and regulated crypto exchange services" . Gemini's local presence is expected to enhance transaction efficiency, customer support, and compliance processes, differentiating it from competitors in the region.

The regulatory environment in Australia remains dynamic, with ASIC balancing innovation and oversight. While easing licensing for stablecoin intermediaries, the regulator has also intensified enforcement actions, shutting down over 14,000 scam websites since July 2023 and targeting non-compliant crypto operators . Gemini's compliance-focused approach aligns with Australia's efforts to foster innovation while mitigating risks. The firm's IPO, which priced shares above its initial guidance, reflects strong investor confidence amid a broader industry trend of institutional adoption and regulatory alignment .

Source: [1] Yahoo Finance (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gemini-expands-australia-local-crypto-103846745.html) [2] FreeBibleStudyHub (https://www.freebiblestudyhub.com/archives/62987) [4] Decrypt (https://decrypt.co/343185/gemini-australia-push-new-crypto-rules-loom) [7] CoinLaw (https://coinlaw.io/asic-stablecoin-license-exemption-till-2028/)