Gemini launches derivatives and ETH, SOL staking in Europe
Gemini has taken a major step forward in Europe by launching regulated staking and derivatives services, positioning itself as a front-runner in compliant crypto trading across the region. Backed by the Winklevoss twins, the exchange now offers staking for Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL), giving users in the European Economic Area (EEA) new ways to earn rewards securely under a regulated framework.
Alongside staking, Gemini has introduced USDC-denominated perpetual contracts, expanding its product lineup for both retail and institutional traders. By combining staking and derivatives into one streamlined, compliant platform, Gemini is strengthening its role in Europe’s evolving digital asset landscape. This dual offering highlights Gemini’s strategy to provide secure, transparent, and regulated access to crypto markets for EEA users.
What’s new
Gemini EU staking and derivatives launch delivers two pillars at once: on‑exchange staking for Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL), and access to perpetual futures settled in Circle’s USDC. With MiCA and MiFID II permissions in place via Malta, the rollout targets both retail and institutional users who want a single, regulated hub for spot, staking, and perps.
Key features at a glance
- ETH & SOL staking with no minimum, rewards variable by network.
- Perpetual futures quoted in USDC, available to advanced users.
- One login, one UI for spot, staking, and derivatives across the EEA.
- Regulated footprint leveraging MiCA (for crypto services) and MiFID II (for derivatives).
Why it matters now
Derivatives dominate crypto activity in 2025, while spot volumes lag. Against that backdrop, the Gemini EU staking and derivatives launch is timed to meet demand for hedging, leverage, and yield all within a rules‑first setup. For traders rotating from spot markets (or ETFs) into more flexible instruments, a consolidated venue reduces fragmentation and operational risk.
Licensing and compliance
Gemini’s European stack taps MiCA authorization for its crypto services and MiFID II permissions for investment‑firm activities, secured via Malta’s MFSA. That split matters: derivatives are treated under financial‑markets law, while staking access is enabled through MiCA’s harmonized crypto framework. For users, it means familiar KYC/AML standards, clearer disclosures, and a path for both retail and professional participation.
Derivatives boom, spot slump
Crypto derivatives notched multi‑trillion dollar quarterly volumes in 2025 even as spot turnover softened. Traders cite better capital efficiency, precise risk management, and 24/7 access as key drivers. The Gemini EU staking and derivatives launch taps directly into that momentum, offering perps alongside staking yields so users can balance directional bets with on‑chain rewards.
What traders can do here
- Go long/short majors via perps while keeping treasury in stablecoins.
- Pair staking yield on ETH/SOL with protective hedges during volatility.
- Consolidate ops (custody, funding, execution) under a regulated umbrella.
Institutions pile in
Post‑MiCA, Europe has seen a measurable uptick in staking participation and institutional interest, with Ethereum validator queues periodically hitting fresh highs. The Gemini EU staking and derivatives launch lets sophisticated retail and professional investors earn on ETH/SOL from the same centralized account they use for trading no separate validators or complex tooling required.
Digital euro debate heats up
As EU crypto rails expand, policymakers are debating a digital euro to bolster payment resilience in crises and reduce reliance on non‑EU networks. Lawmakers are pressing the ECB on privacy, account limits, and bank‑disintermediation risks. For exchanges and users alike, the regulatory direction of travel MiCA for assets, potential CBDC for payments signals a tighter but clearer operating environment across the bloc.
Gemini eyes public markets
In parallel with the European build‑out, Gemini has filed for a U.S. IPO, aiming to list on Nasdaq. A successful listing would add balance‑sheet firepower and transparency just as the company leans into regulated growth in Europe.
Bottom line
Gemini’s new EU staking and derivatives platform delivers a clear value proposition: a single, regulated venue where users can earn, hedge, and trade with confidence. By introducing Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) staking, the exchange enables passive yield opportunities within a fully compliant European framework.
In parallel, Gemini now offers USDC-denominated perpetual contracts, giving traders efficient tools for active strategies. This combination provides EEA users with a well-rounded crypto toolkit designed to match how digital assets are used today. Supported by region-specific licenses, Gemini’s move reinforces its role as a trusted and compliant gateway to the European market.
FAQs
Q1. What countries can access the Gemini EU staking and derivatives launch?
A . EEA residents can access spot trading, ETH/SOL staking, and USDC-perps through Gemini’s regulated European entities.
Q2 . How are rewards paid for ETH and SOL staking?
A . ETH rewards are variable; SOL may feature an APR range. Rewards accrue on staked balances and reflect on-chain conditions and validator performance.
Q3 . Are USDC-denominated perpetuals available to all users from day one?
A . Perpetuals are typically offered to advanced or eligible users, subject to local rules, suitability checks, and MiFID II requirements.
Q4 . How does regulation apply to the Gemini EU staking and derivatives launch?
A . MiCA covers crypto-asset services (like custody and staking access), while MiFID II governs derivatives; Gemini operates under both to serve EEA users.
Q5 . Does the ECB’s digital euro plan affect exchange users?
A . Not directly today, but a future EU CBDC could reshape payment rails, wallets, and settlement flows, complementing cash and private payment networks.