TLDR
- Gemini has registered a local entity called Gemini Intergalactic Australia with AUSTRAC, Australia’s financial intelligence and anti-money laundering regulator
- The registration allows Australians to trade cryptocurrencies using AUD and access local payment options, expanding beyond the limited services previously available since 2019
- James Logan has been appointed as Head of Australia, bringing experience from previous roles at Luno and Bitget
- Gemini is working toward obtaining an Australian Financial Services License to offer additional services like crypto staking and credit cards
- The exchange is taking a wait-and-see approach to Australia’s pending crypto legislation rather than actively lobbying, unlike the Winklevoss brothers’ involvement in US politics
Gemini has officially expanded its operations in Australia by registering a local entity with the country’s financial regulator. The crypto exchange, founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, announced the registration of Gemini Intergalactic Australia with AUSTRAC on Thursday.
We’re expanding in Australia 🇦🇺
To lead the charge, we’ve brought on James Logan as Country Head. With AUSTRAC registration and new AUD rails, customers now get faster deposits and a smoother trading experience. pic.twitter.com/YACsk1YLsn
— Gemini (@Gemini) October 8, 2025
The registration marks a change for Australian users who have had access to Gemini since August 2019. Previously, services were limited with expensive payment options and fewer trading assets available.
The new local entity enables Australians to trade cryptocurrencies using Australian dollars. This removes previous restrictions on payment methods and marketing activities.
Saad Ahmed, Gemini’s head of Asia Pacific, stated that Australia has crypto adoption rates between 22% and 25%. The exchange views this as room for growth in the market.
Gemini ranks among the top 20 cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume. The platform recorded over $126 million in trading volume in the past 24 hours according to Coingecko data.
Building Local Presence
The exchange has appointed James Logan as Head of Australia to lead local operations. Logan previously served as Country Manager for Luno in Australia and held a position at Bitget.
The company will establish its base in Sydney. Ahmed confirmed they are building a local team to support Australian operations.
Having a registered local entity means Gemini can now integrate local payment rails more easily. The company can also offer financial services without navigating strict legal restrictions.
Future Services and Licensing
Gemini is pursuing an Australian Financial Services License. This license would allow the exchange to offer services like crypto staking and credit cards to Australian customers.
Ahmed said these additional products won’t be available immediately. The exchange is working on bringing these features to the Australian market over time.
The AFSL requirement is part of pending legislation from the Albanese government. Draft laws released last month would tighten oversight on crypto exchanges and require them to obtain this license.
Regulatory Approach
The Winklevoss brothers are known for their involvement in US politics and crypto policy. However, Gemini’s Australian operation plans to take a different approach.
Ahmed indicated the exchange will observe rather than actively participate in the government’s consultation process. This consultation aims to overhaul Australia’s crypto laws.
The draft legislation kicked off consultations in September 2024. The local crypto industry has responded with cautious support for increased regulatory clarity.
Australia has emerged as one of the world’s most active crypto markets according to Gemini’s Global State of Crypto Report 2025. The country’s adoption rate matches that of the United States at 22%.
