Winklevoss-led exchange eyes growth under MiCA and MiFID II approval
Crypto exchange Gemini has expanded its European services, rolling out Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL) staking along with USDC-denominated derivatives trading for users across the European Economic Area (EEA).
The move follows Gemini’s regulatory milestones, including approval under Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) in Malta in August and authorization under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) in May.
Mark Jennings, Gemini’s head of Europe, said the expansion positions the platform as a leading contender in the region. “Now that we have a full suite of products — spot exchange, staking, and perps — from a single interface, we believe we’re a serious contender in the EU market,” he stated.
Derivatives market outpaces spot trading
The timing reflects global trends. While crypto spot trading volumes fell 32% in the first half of 2025, derivatives activity surged. According to TokenInsight, spot volumes totaled $3.6 trillion in Q2, compared to $20.2 trillion in derivatives trading.
“The global derivatives market has exploded in recent months,” Jennings said, projecting the sector could hit $23 trillion by the end of 2025. He added that derivatives meet rising demand for “alternative, risk-managed financial instruments” that allow investors to gain long or short exposure to crypto.
Staking adoption accelerates in Europe
Alongside derivatives, Gemini is betting big on staking. Under MiCA, institutional staking in the EU grew 39% in 2025, outpacing non-EU growth at 22%, according to CoinLaw.
Ethereum staking deposits in the EU rose 28% year-on-year to $90 billion, reflecting strong institutional and retail participation. “Staking is becoming increasingly popular in Europe,” Jennings said, adding that Gemini’s staking service is designed for both institutions and sophisticated retail investors seeking passive income.
The European launch comes just days after Gemini filed for a U.S. initial public offering, seeking to raise up to $317 million by selling 16.67 million shares priced between $17 and $19.
With both derivatives and staking regulated under EU law, Gemini is positioning itself to compete strongly in Europe’s rapidly maturing crypto market.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.