Gemini expands into Europe, becomes first VASP in Ireland

Quick Take

  • Gemini is now available to users in Ireland after obtaining approval for registration as a Virtual Asset Service Provider.
  • Last week, some users in Europe already received emails detailing how their accounts would be affected in regard to updated terms of service and payment processing instructions.

Gemini has expanded its operations to Ireland, where it is now providing both individuals and institutions with crypto exchange and custody services.

Users may now use both Gemini's website and mobile application for account creation and cryptocurrency purchases — in EUR or GBP — according to a press release. They may also fund their accounts via debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or SEPA transfer. The exchange's high-performance trading platform, ActiveTrader, is also available.

Additionally, Irish institutions, corporations and the like now have access to "custody, clearing, trade execution, price discovery and portfolio construction services, all in one place."

Gemini's European expansion

The move represents a concerted push from Gemini — traditionally thought of as a regulatory-focused North American exchange — into Europe.

The company describes it as "the latest step in the company's European growth strategy," which is "built on an approach of proactive and positive engagement with regulators and policymakers."

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Not a surprise for some EU users

The news from Gemini may not come as a surprise to some users in the European Union.

Last Thursday, the crypto exchange sent out emails to some users explaining that it recently received authorization as an Electronic Money Institution and registration as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) by the Central Bank of Ireland. Notably, Gemini is the first company to receive a VASP registration in Ireland, according to the aforementioned press release.

Last week's emails also detailed exactly when certain users would have their service provider changed to Irish entities Gemini Payments Limited and Gemini Digital Assets Limited — along with new terms of service and new deposit instructions for transferring EUR and GBP.


© 2023 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

About Author

Adam is the managing editor for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He is based in central Europe and was a managing editor and podcast host at the crypto exchange OKX's former research arm, OKX Insights. Before that, he co-founded BeInCrypto.com, which he elevated into one of the leading crypto media brands at its peak as the editor-in-chief. Earlier, he served as the editor-in-chief at Bitcoinist.com. Before joining the blockchain and crypto industry, he worked for Looper.com, Grunge.com and SVG.com. He tweets via @XBT002 and can be emailed at [email protected].