The cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve as major players adapt to shifting regulatory environments. Gemini, the digital asset exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has officially launched Gemini Foundation, a new international platform dedicated to crypto derivatives trading outside the United States. This strategic expansion marks a significant development in the global crypto market, offering traders enhanced access to leveraged financial instruments while navigating tightening U.S. regulations.
Introducing Gemini Foundation: A New Era for Global Derivatives Trading
Gemini Foundation is designed specifically for non-U.S. residents seeking sophisticated trading tools in the cryptocurrency space. The platform’s initial offering centers around Bitcoin (BTC) perpetual contracts, settled in Gemini Dollar (GUSD) — the exchange’s regulated, dollar-backed stablecoin. Ethereum (ETH)-based perpetuals are expected to follow in the near future, signaling a broader roadmap for diversified derivative products.
One of the key features of Gemini Foundation is its high-leverage trading capability. Traders can access leverage up to 100:1, with a standard default level set at 20:1. This flexibility allows both conservative and aggressive traders to tailor their risk exposure according to strategy and market conditions.
Users can fund their accounts using USD, USDC, or GUSD. Notably, those who choose to transact in GUSD benefit from zero additional transaction fees, incentivizing the use of Gemini’s native stablecoin and reinforcing its utility within the ecosystem.
"Gemini Foundation will continue to expand its derivatives offering in the coming months. We're just getting started, so stay tuned," announced the team in an official blog post.
Target Markets and Accessibility
Gemini Foundation is currently accessible to users from a wide range of jurisdictions across multiple continents. Approved regions include:
- Asia: Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, India, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam
- South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay
- Middle East & Africa: Egypt, Israel, Nigeria, South Africa
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
- Europe: Switzerland, Turkey
- Caribbean & Offshore Financial Centers: Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Cayman Islands, El Salvador
Additionally, select European territories such as Guernsey and Jersey are included in the serviceable regions. However, traders residing in the United States are explicitly excluded due to existing regulatory restrictions on retail derivatives trading.
This geographic diversification reflects a growing trend among crypto platforms seeking compliance-friendly environments where innovation can thrive without immediate legal roadblocks.
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Why Gemini Moved Derivatives Offshore
The launch of Gemini Foundation is not an isolated move but part of a broader industry shift driven by increasing regulatory scrutiny in the United States.
U.S. financial regulators — particularly the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) — have intensified enforcement actions following the collapse of major crypto firms like FTX in late 2022. These events prompted a reevaluation of risk management and compliance strategies across the sector.
For example:
- In early 2023, Kraken shut down its staking-as-a-service product and paid a $30 million settlement to the SEC.
- The CFTC filed charges against Binance for operating an unlicensed derivatives exchange in the U.S.
- Even industry giant Coinbase is reportedly exploring international expansion for derivatives services.
Given these pressures, launching a separate entity outside U.S. jurisdiction enables Gemini to offer advanced trading products while maintaining compliance with local laws. It also aligns with a long-term vision of building resilient, globally distributed financial infrastructure.
Core Features That Set Gemini Foundation Apart
1. Leverage Flexibility
With support for up to 100x leverage, experienced traders gain powerful tools for capital efficiency. Risk controls are built into the platform to help manage liquidation risks under volatile market conditions.
2. Stablecoin-Centric Settlement
Using GUSD as a settlement asset strengthens trust through transparency and auditability. As a regulated stablecoin issued by Gemini Trust Company, GUSD undergoes regular attestations by third-party accounting firms.
3. Multi-Currency Funding Options
Traders enjoy flexibility with funding via USD, USDC, or GUSD — making onboarding seamless for users already holding major digital assets.
4. Focus on Institutional-Grade Security
Backed by Gemini’s reputation for strong security practices — including cold storage and insurance protocols — the Foundation platform aims to attract both retail and professional traders.
5. Roadmap for Expansion
Future plans include introducing ETH perpetuals and potentially other altcoin-based derivatives, options contracts, and structured products tailored to global demand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who can use Gemini Foundation?
A: The platform is available to users outside the United States, including select countries in Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. U.S. residents are not eligible.
Q: What is the maximum leverage offered?
A: Up to 100:1 leverage is available on BTC perpetual contracts, with a default setting of 20:1 to promote responsible trading.
Q: Is GUSD required for trading?
A: No, but using GUSD eliminates transaction fees. Users may also trade using USD or USDC.
Q: Are there any KYC requirements?
A: Yes — like most regulated platforms, Gemini Foundation requires identity verification to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) standards.
Q: Will U.S. users ever get access?
A: Currently, there are no plans to offer these services to U.S. residents due to regulatory constraints around retail derivatives trading.
Q: How does Gemini Foundation differ from other offshore exchanges?
A: It benefits from Gemini’s established brand reputation, regulatory compliance framework, and secure custody solutions — differentiating it from less-transparent offshore operators.
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Industry Implications and Future Outlook
Gemini’s move underscores a pivotal moment in crypto evolution: the decentralization of financial services in response to regional regulatory disparities. As more platforms establish offshore entities or restructure operations internationally, we may see a bifurcation between heavily regulated domestic markets and more flexible global alternatives.
This trend also highlights the importance of jurisdictional strategy in fintech innovation. Countries like Singapore, Switzerland, and the UAE are emerging as preferred hubs for crypto firms due to clearer regulatory frameworks and innovation-friendly policies.
For traders, this means greater access to advanced financial instruments — but also a need for increased due diligence when choosing platforms that balance performance with security and compliance.
As Gemini Foundation expands its product suite and user base, it could become a benchmark for how established U.S.-born crypto companies navigate global markets while upholding core principles of trust and transparency.
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Final Thoughts
The launch of Gemini Foundation represents more than just a new trading venue — it's a reflection of the maturing crypto economy's ability to adapt under pressure. By launching a dedicated derivatives arm outside the U.S., Gemini positions itself at the forefront of global digital asset innovation.
As regulatory landscapes continue to shift worldwide, platforms that prioritize compliance without sacrificing functionality will lead the next phase of adoption. Whether you're a seasoned trader or simply monitoring industry trends, the rise of international crypto derivatives platforms like Gemini Foundation is a development worth watching closely.
With strategic product design, robust infrastructure, and clear market positioning, Gemini may well be setting the stage for sustained growth beyond its domestic borders — proving that sometimes, taking flight means launching from new ground altogether.