About Gemini
Gemini is a fully regulated and secure cryptocurrency exchange, wallet, and custodian founded in 2014 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the emerging world of blockchain, Gemini empowers individuals and institutions to access, manage, and grow their digital asset portfolios with confidence. From its inception, Gemini has maintained an unwavering focus on compliance, earning multiple regulatory licenses across key jurisdictions including the U.S., U.K., and EU. It is also recognized as one of the most security-conscious platforms in the industry.
As a full-reserve exchange, Gemini ensures that all customer funds are always available for withdrawal — a model that provides peace of mind during volatile markets. The platform is available in over 70 countries and supports more than 70 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and its native Gemini Dollar (GUSD) stablecoin. Its product suite extends beyond spot trading, featuring advanced tools via ActiveTrader®, crypto staking, derivatives, and tokenized U.S. stocks through blockchain-based dShares™. With its commitment to trust, transparency, and financial innovation, Gemini continues to play a central role in the future of regulated crypto finance.
Since its launch in New York City, Gemini has evolved into one of the most respected and regulation-first crypto platforms globally. It was built at a time when most cryptocurrency exchanges lacked legal clarity and security protocols. Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss sought to change that by offering a platform that combined the ease-of-use of consumer applications with the rigorous compliance of traditional financial services. Today, Gemini offers an expansive suite of features tailored to retail, institutional, and professional traders alike.
A major aspect of Gemini's growth is its approach to regulatory oversight. It became one of the first crypto firms to be awarded a trust charter by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). It is also licensed in the UK as an Electronic Money Institution and is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). In the European Union, Gemini EU is authorized and regulated under MiFID by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). This extensive regulatory coverage has helped Gemini win institutional partnerships and trust from major corporations and asset managers.
In addition to its spot exchange and secure wallet services, Gemini has introduced innovative offerings such as Gemini Tokenized Stocks, which allow users to buy fractions of real U.S. equities directly on the blockchain. These assets are represented as dShares™ — ERC-20 tokens issued by Dinari, Inc., fully backed 1:1 by real shares and available 24/7 without relying on traditional brokerage systems. This model makes investing in U.S. equities more accessible globally, especially in jurisdictions where access to U.S. markets is limited.
Competitor platforms in the crypto and tokenized asset space include:
- Coinbase — A publicly traded U.S. exchange known for regulatory compliance and consumer-friendly design.
- Kraken — Offers advanced features including staking, margin trading, and futures.
- Binance — The world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume, offering a massive range of tokens and services.
Gemini offers a rich suite of features that make it one of the most secure and innovative platforms in the crypto space. Its combination of regulated infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and ease of use positions it well for both individuals and institutions.
- Regulated and Licensed Globally: Gemini is registered and licensed in multiple jurisdictions including the U.S., U.K., and EU, providing users with institutional-grade compliance and protection.
- Industry-Leading Security: The platform was the first to complete SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 audits and holds ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification.
- Advanced Trading Tools: Through its ActiveTrader® platform, Gemini offers deep liquidity, combined order books, and support for over 100 trading pairs.
- Tokenized Stocks: Fractional U.S. stock ownership with dShares™ lets users access equities using crypto infrastructure, offering 24/7 global availability.
- Full-Reserve Custody: All customer funds are backed 1:1 and held in segregated accounts, enhancing transparency and trust.
- Crypto Rewards Credit Card: A Mastercard that lets users earn up to 3% back in crypto with every purchase, with no annual fee.
- DeFi Integration: GUSD is widely supported in DeFi protocols such as Uniswap, Aave, Curve, Yearn, and others.
Getting started with Gemini is straightforward and designed to accommodate both newcomers and experienced users.
- Create an Account: Visit gemini.com and click "Get Started." You'll need to provide an email, set a password, and verify your identity (KYC process).
- Secure Your Account: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and whitelist crypto withdrawal addresses for enhanced security.
- Deposit Funds: You can fund your account using bank transfers (ACH, wire), crypto deposits, or debit cards in supported regions.
- Start Trading: Use the web platform or download the Gemini mobile app to buy, sell, or stake over 70 supported digital assets.
- Use Advanced Tools: Switch to ActiveTrader® to access more sophisticated trading options, order books, and fee tiers.
- Explore Gemini Tokenized Stocks: Invest in blockchain-based dShares™ backed by real U.S. equities. Available in selected EU countries.
- Track Portfolio & Set Alerts: Customize your dashboard with price alerts, watchlists, and detailed performance analytics.
Gemini FAQ
Yes, with Gemini Tokenized Stocks™, you can trade U.S. equities like Apple and Tesla around the clock. These are blockchain-based financial products issued as dShares™ by Dinari, Inc., and are fully backed 1:1 by the underlying stock. Unlike traditional brokers, Gemini enables global, uninterrupted access — no market open or close times. Users in supported EU countries can invest using crypto infrastructure without relying on a U.S. brokerage platform.
Gemini distributes dShares™ that are issued by Dinari, Inc., a U.S.-registered Transfer Agent. Each dShare token is matched 1:1 with a corresponding real-world stock held in custody. The structure is transparent and regulated, and Dinari, not Gemini, is the issuer. These assets cannot be redeemed on the open market but can be sold back to Dinari. The partnership structure is designed for verifiability, legal clarity, and actual equity representation on-chain.
The Gemini Credit Card® is directly integrated with your Gemini account, allowing real-time crypto rewards. Users earn up to 3% back in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other supported crypto with no annual fee. Unlike cashback cards that require manual conversion, rewards are deposited as crypto instantly. It’s a practical tool for everyday users and long-term holders, eliminating friction between traditional purchases and building a digital portfolio.
Gemini is a fully licensed and compliant custodian with stringent security protocols. It was the first crypto exchange to complete SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 audits and is ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certified. Assets are stored in cold wallets with role-based access, and fiat reserves are kept in FDIC-insured banks. Additionally, Gemini uses a full-reserve model — customer funds are never lent out, ensuring withdrawal liquidity even during outages or market shocks.
Gemini uses its stablecoin, the Gemini Dollar (GUSD), to bridge the gap between centralized regulation and decentralized protocols. GUSD is an ERC-20 token backed by U.S. dollars and is widely accepted in DeFi platforms like Aave, Uniswap, and Curve. While Gemini maintains regulatory compliance with KYC/AML, users can move GUSD into DeFi ecosystems seamlessly. This approach offers users the safety of compliance and the freedom of decentralized applications.