Gemini Bets on Australia’s Crypto Boom as U.S. Regulatory Uncertainty Persists

Gemini’s newly launched Australian exchange signals the Winklevoss twins’ shifting global strategy — one that embraces regulatory clarity abroad while taking a cautious stance at home.

Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has officially opened its doors in Australia under a new entity, Gemini Intergalactic Australia, marking a strategic expansion into one of the world’s fastest-growing crypto markets.

The move underscores how U.S. firms are increasingly seeking friendlier jurisdictions amid tightening regulations back home. Registered with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), Gemini Intergalactic Australia will now offer locally tailored crypto services to both retail and institutional investors.

The exchange’s Asia-Pacific head, Saad Ahmed , confirmed during Singapore’s TOKEN2049 event that the decision was driven by surging domestic demand.

"We're changing that because we think Australia is a market that we want to be in, and it's a market that we want to grow, so we're going to build a local team here."

Australia’s crypto adoption rate has reached a record high. According to the Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index , 31% of Australians now hold digital assets — up from 28% last year — reflecting a steady rise in mainstream acceptance. Gemini’s launch aims to capitalize on this momentum, offering a secure, compliant gateway for investors seeking exposure to digital assets without relying on offshore platforms.

The exchange’s expansion coincides with regulatory tailwinds in the country. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) recently introduced temporary relief for intermediaries distributing stablecoins from licensed Australian Financial Services (AFS) providers.

These reforms allow issuers — such as Catena Digital Pty Ltd , creator of the AUDM stablecoin — to operate without additional licensing burdens until 2028. The move signals Canberra’s intent to foster innovation while maintaining oversight.

Shifting Strategy After a Blockbuster U.S. Debut

Gemini’s push into Australia follows its $425 million Nasdaq debut, one of the strongest digital asset listings this year. Shares in Gemini Space Station were priced at $28, above initial expectations, as investor enthusiasm fueled one of crypto’s most successful IPOs in recent memory. Despite going public, the Winklevoss twins retain nearly 94.5% of the firm’s voting power, keeping tight control over strategic direction.

While Gemini’s U.S. operations have been vocal in policy debates — including legal challenges against the SEC — its Australian arm is said to be taking a more measured, observant stance. Sources close to the company suggest Gemini will focus on building local market trust before taking any regulatory advocacy role, a contrast to the more politically active posture of its American counterpart.

"We're confident that what ever regulation comes into effect, we'll be well prepared for it and we'll be able to comply with it."

Australia’s crypto scene isn’t without its challenges. Since mid-2023, ASIC has taken down over 14,000 scam and phishing websites, with roughly 20% linked to crypto-related frauds.

The regulator continues to target an estimated 130 new malicious sites weekly, many of which deploy AI-generated ads promising unrealistic crypto profits. This growing threat landscape has intensified demand for trustworthy, compliant exchanges — a space Gemini aims to fill.

By securing full AUSTRAC registration, Gemini is signaling to Australian investors that it intends to operate transparently within national guidelines. “We’ve always believed compliance is a competitive advantage,” a Gemini spokesperson noted, emphasizing the company’s long-standing emphasis on security and regulatory cooperation.

A Calculated Bet on Global Diversification

Gemini’s foray into Australia is more than an expansion — it’s a strategic hedge against regulatory uncertainty in the U.S. as Washington’s stance on crypto remains fragmented, Australia offers a clearer, more constructive framework for growth.

By taking a “wait-and-see” approach to Australian regulation while investing in local infrastructure, Gemini is positioning itself to benefit from both prudence and proximity.

If Australia continues to balance innovation with effective oversight, Gemini’s Intergalactic arm could become a model for how American exchanges can thrive abroad without abandoning compliance. In the broader race for crypto’s global future, Gemini’s move Down Under might just prove to be its most grounded decision yet.