Gemini Europe Unleashes Powerful New Staking and Derivatives Offerings

Crypto exchange Gemini recently made a significant strategic move. The company has substantially expanded its offerings for users across the European Economic Area (EEA). This development positions Gemini as a formidable player in the burgeoning European crypto market. They now provide new staking opportunities and access to advanced derivatives trading.

Gemini Europe Expands Core Services

Gemini, founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, is actively strengthening its presence in Europe. Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) can now engage in staking for both Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL). Furthermore, they can trade perpetual contracts. These contracts are denominated in Circle’s USDC stablecoin. This comprehensive launch follows critical regulatory approvals for Gemini Europe.

The company secured approval under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) in Malta in August. This crucial step built upon its earlier authorization under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) in May. Mark Jennings, Gemini’s head of Europe, highlighted the company’s ambition. “Our goal is to be one of the major exchanges in Europe,” Jennings stated. “Now we have a full suite of products, including spot exchange, staking, and perpetuals, all from a single interface in the EU. We believe we are a serious contender.” This strategic expansion underscores Gemini’s commitment to offering a robust and regulated platform.

The Surge in Crypto Derivatives Trading

Gemini’s decision to emphasize derivatives in the EU reflects a broader market trend. Spot crypto trading, which involves buying and selling tokens at current market prices, has seen a decline. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have notably captured market share. According to the crypto analytics platform TokenInsight, despite a rise in Bitcoin price during 2025, spot trading volumes decreased by 32% in the first two quarters. This netted just $3.6 trillion in Q2.

Conversely, the crypto derivatives market has experienced an explosive growth phase. Derivatives volumes netted a substantial $20.2 trillion during the same period. “The global derivatives market has exploded in recent months,” Jennings confirmed. He also projected the sector’s value to reach an estimated $23 trillion by the end of 2025. This shift highlights increasing investor sophistication and demand for diverse financial instruments.

Jennings explained the appeal: “As crypto adoption grows, demand for alternative, risk-managed financial instruments increases. Derivatives allow users to execute complex strategies. They gain long or short exposure to crypto efficiently.” These instruments offer flexibility. They enable investors to hedge risks or speculate on price movements without directly owning the underlying assets. This makes them increasingly popular among both retail and institutional participants.

Remarkable Growth in Ethereum Staking

While MiFID II regulates crypto derivatives, crypto staking falls indirectly under the MiCA framework. MiCA fully entered into force in late 2024. This regulatory clarity has significantly boosted institutional staking activity across Europe. A June study by CoinLaw revealed compelling data. EU staking participation surged by 39% in 2025. In contrast, non-EU staking growth remained at 22%.

This data underscores MiCA’s profound impact on the European crypto landscape. It creates a more secure and predictable environment for investors. Jennings emphasized this trend. “Staking is becoming increasingly popular in Europe,” he noted. Citing CoinLaw’s data, he highlighted that Ethereum staking deposits in the EU saw a remarkable 28% surge in 2025 compared to 2024. Total staked ETH reached an impressive $90 billion.

Gemini Staking caters to a broad audience. It is available for both retail and institutional investors. However, the exchange anticipates particular popularity among sophisticated, professional retail investors. These individuals seek to put their crypto funds to productive use. They aim to earn passive income from a single, integrated, centralized exchange. This offering provides a streamlined and secure avenue for earning rewards on crypto holdings.

Navigating MiCA Regulation and Future Prospects

The regulatory landscape in Europe, particularly with MiCA Regulation, provides a clear framework. This framework fosters innovation while ensuring investor protection. Gemini’s proactive engagement with these regulations has been crucial for its expansion. By securing MiCA approval in Malta and MiFID II authorization, Gemini demonstrates its commitment to operating within established legal guidelines. This builds trust among European users and institutions.

Gemini’s European expansion comes just days after the exchange officially filed a Form S-1 for an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States. The company expects to sell 16.67 million shares. These shares are priced between $17 and $19 per share. This move aims to raise up to $317 million. This dual strategy of international expansion and public offering signifies Gemini’s aggressive growth trajectory and confidence in the broader crypto market’s future.

The integration of staking and derivatives under a unified platform positions Gemini strongly. It allows users to manage their crypto assets and investment strategies from a single interface. This comprehensive approach aligns with the evolving demands of the European market. As crypto adoption continues to grow, Gemini’s expanded offerings are poised to capture a significant share of this dynamic ecosystem, providing diverse opportunities for investors.