Gemini Planning Overseas Crypto Derivatives Service

The Gemini crypto exchange is working on launching an international crypto derivatives exchange to fill the hole left in the derivatives market by the FTX ecosystem collapse. 

Gemini, the brainchild of the Winklevoss twins, could be the next big derivatives service provider. According to reports from sources close to the matter, the crypto exchange has been reaching out to trading firms to serve as market makers to launch an overseas derivatives exchange. It is interesting to note that the platform will be specifically offering perpetual futures. This type of derivative does not have an expiry date and thus can be traded with significant leverage. Therefore, it is considered a highly risky product and banned for retail trading in the United States. 

It will be interesting to note how the operation pans out, as the company has already been in hot water with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for allegedly selling unregistered securities. The SEC is not going to be too happy about the company’s perpetual futures offering. Even though the matter would be outside its jurisdiction, it could irk the regulatory body enough to make matters difficult for Gemini. In January 2023, the company had to lay off 10% of its workforce after being caught up in the Genesis bankruptcy. 

Furthermore, other regulatory bodies are also toughening up on crypto firms, especially those offering crypto derivatives services. For example, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has recently sued the Binance crypto exchange on charges of violating U.S. derivatives law. Binance Australia also had to shut down the crypto derivatives accounts of some wholesale investors who did not fit the criteria. (The exchange does not allow retail investors to participate in crypto derivatives trading on its platform.)

With FTX gone and now Binance embroiled in legal troubles, there is a significant market share up for grabs in international derivatives trading. In fact, even Coinbase had indicated plans to grab a chunk of this market share by launching an overseas platform to offer perpetual futures derivatives. However, as the crypto trading platform is likely going to face enforcement action from the SEC, as indicated by the Wells notice, Gemini could beat Coinbase to the overseas derivatives race. As one of the co-founders of Gemini, Cameron Winklevoss believes that the next bull run would come from Asia, the company’s international expansion makes even more sense.

Disclaimer: 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.