Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has strengthened its presence in Europe by introducing derivatives trading and staking services for Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL). The move underscores the platform’s strategy to compete aggressively in the European Economic Area (EEA), where demand for diversified crypto products has been steadily growing.

Gemini’s European Expansion

Starting September 2025, Gemini users across the EEA can now stake ETH and SOL while also trading perpetual contracts denominated in Circle’s USDC stablecoin. The announcement follows a series of regulatory approvals that paved the way for Gemini’s broader rollout in the region.

In August, the exchange received approval under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework in Malta. Earlier in May, it secured authorization under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II). Together, these regulatory wins provided the necessary compliance backbone for Gemini to introduce both staking and derivatives from a single platform.

Mark Jennings, Gemini’s head of Europe, explained that the exchange is aiming to position itself among the top players in the European crypto landscape. “Our goal is to be one of the major exchanges in Europe, and now that we have a full suite of products including spot exchange, staking, and perpetuals in the EU from a single interface, we believe that we’re a serious contender,” he said.

Derivatives on the Rise

Gemini’s latest offerings come at a time when global trading dynamics in the crypto market are shifting. While spot trading has historically dominated crypto exchanges, volumes have declined significantly in 2025. Data from TokenInsight shows that spot volumes shrank by 32% in the first half of the year, totaling just $3.6 trillion in Q2. In contrast, derivatives volumes soared, reaching $20.2 trillion during the same period.

“The global derivatives market has exploded in recent months,” Jennings noted, adding that the sector could be worth $23 trillion by the end of 2025. This surge reflects growing interest among institutional and professional investors in advanced financial tools that allow hedging, leverage, and diversified exposure to crypto assets.

“As crypto adoption grows, there is increasing demand for alternative, risk-managed financial instruments, and derivatives allow users to execute complex strategies to gain long or short exposure to crypto,” Jennings said.

The Role of Staking Under MiCA

Alongside derivatives, Gemini is betting big on staking in Europe. While derivatives fall under MiFID II regulation, staking activities are indirectly overseen by MiCA, which became fully enforceable across the EU in late 2024.

MiCA’s implementation has already boosted institutional participation in staking. According to a CoinLaw study from June 2025, staking activity in the EU surged by 39% this year, compared to a 22% growth rate in non-EU markets. Ethereum, in particular, has seen significant inflows, with total staked ETH deposits in the EU climbing 28% year-over-year to $90 billion.

“Staking is becoming increasingly popular in Europe,” Jennings said. He highlighted that Gemini Staking is open to both retail and institutional investors but expects strong interest from sophisticated retail users. These investors, he noted, are looking for secure, centralized platforms where they can both trade and earn yield without navigating fragmented services.

Competing in a Crowded Market

By integrating staking and derivatives alongside its spot exchange, Gemini is positioning itself as a one-stop shop for European crypto traders. The timing is strategic: derivatives are gaining traction as institutional investors seek more advanced tools, while staking continues to attract both retail and professional users looking for yield opportunities.

Gemini’s expansion also comes amid broader institutional adoption in Europe, where regulatory clarity under MiCA has encouraged companies and funds to allocate capital toward digital assets. At the same time, competition among exchanges has intensified, with platforms like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken already offering derivatives and staking services to European clients.

Jennings, however, believes Gemini’s reputation for compliance and security will give it an edge. “Our focus has always been on building a regulated, trusted platform,” he said, stressing that Gemini’s regulatory-first approach is what sets it apart.

IPO on the Horizon

The European launch comes at a pivotal moment for Gemini, as the exchange prepares for its initial public offering (IPO) in the United States. Earlier this week, Gemini filed a Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, detailing plans to sell 16.67 million shares priced between $17 and $19. If successful, the IPO could raise up to $317 million, boosting the company’s war chest for further global expansion.

Analysts say the dual strategy of broadening product offerings in Europe while pursuing an IPO in the U.S. reflects Gemini’s ambition to secure a stronger foothold both domestically and internationally.

Market Outlook

Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL), the two assets available for staking on Gemini in Europe, have both experienced strong demand in 2025. ETH recently traded above $4,300, while SOL hovered around $203. With staking yields adding another layer of incentive, the new Gemini service could draw considerable interest from investors aiming to maximize returns.

Meanwhile, the derivatives market is expected to continue expanding, driven by institutional investors who prefer structured products and hedging strategies over simple spot transactions. As ETFs and corporate treasuries play a larger role in this cycle compared to retail-driven rallies of the past, exchanges that provide derivatives may enjoy a significant competitive advantage.

Conclusion

Gemini’s expansion into staking and derivatives in the EU marks one of its most ambitious international moves to date. Backed by MiCA and MiFID II approvals, the exchange is entering a rapidly growing market where institutional adoption and investor appetite for advanced financial instruments are at record highs.

With derivatives volumes surpassing spot and Ethereum staking deposits soaring in the EU, Gemini’s bet on Europe appears well-timed. Combined with its upcoming U.S. IPO, the exchange is signaling its intent to play a major role in shaping the future of global crypto markets.