The Gemini exchange announced on January 8 that it would welcome a new leadership team to expand its operations in the European Union and the UK. The announcement revealed the new Head of Operations in the UK, the Head of Operations in Europe, and the General Council for the exchange’s international business, which is meant to be situated in the UK. 

The new Head of Europe is Mark Jennings, who the exchange referred to as having the diverse experience necessary for Gemini’s expansion in Europe. Jennings was the CEO of Kraken’s subsidiary, Crypto Facilities, aiding in the development and execution of strategies that helped the derivatives platform achieve global recognition. The new Head of Europe operations has also held positions at Citibank, TPICAP, Credit Suisse, and Kraken. 

Gemini named Daniel Slutzkin, the former country manager of the UK-based brokerage firm Stake, the new Head of UK operations. The announcement mentioned Slutzkin’s involvement in US-based ETFs and equities. The exchange also highlighted the new Head of UK operation’s experience in the UK’s regulatory environment, which Gemini appreciated as a major advantage for its plans to expand its offerings in the region. 

The Gemini exchange announced Vijay Selvam, its new General Counsel, International, who will be based in London. Gemini outlined Selvam’s wide experience in financial services. Selvam was previously Gemini’s General Counsel for the APAC region. Selvam had worked for major financial institutions before joining Gemini, including Goldman Sachs and Equonex. Gemini expressed expectations for Selvam’s expertise in the financial and legal sectors to help the exchange during its expansion. 

Gemini exchange shows growing interest in the European region

Jennings commented on joining the new Europe leadership team, saying that Gemini’s decision came at an opportune time and indicated the seriousness of the exchange in expanding into Europe. The Head of Europe operations also highlighted the EU and the UK’s changing digital asset regulatory landscape. Jennings explained that the regulatory clarity offered by the EU’s newly implemented Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and the UK’s FCA indicated a new age of sustainable digital asset growth. 

“The regulatory frameworks in the EU and UK, including MiCA and the FCA’s forthcoming crypto roadmap, signal a new era of sustainable growth for digital assets.”

–Mark Jennings, Gemini’s Head of Europe

The EU introduced the MiCA regulations on December 30 last year, aiming to create a more uniform regulatory framework for digital assets in Europe. European Parliament’s Stefan Berger commented that the regulatory framework would protect digital asset consumers against issues like fraud. 

The European head of operations further explained that the presence of the new leadership team would be pivotal in spearheading Gemini’s efforts to scale in the region. Jennings commended Gemini exchange for its regulatory compliance and innovation, saying that users’ trust in the exchange would be crucial in shaping the future of crypto markets in Europe. 

Gemini exchange launches in France

Macron criticized the G20 for ignoring the risks of cryptocurrencies

Crypto exchange Gemini has launched services for the French. They received their license in January 2024. According to their report, the adoption of cryptocurrencies in France is growing at a record pace. pic.twitter.com/pHz7xvA0pd

— CRYPTO OUTLOOK (@_crypto_outlook) November 19, 2024

The U.S.-based crypto exchange announced in November last year that it had launched its branch in France after receiving a DASP license. Gemini decided to expand after realizing a growing interest in digital assets in the country. The exchange cited a report that indicated France’s 2% increase in crypto users. 

The survey also highlighted an increase in the country’s HODLers, crypto buyers, and past crypto holders returning to crypto markets. Gemini stated that regulatory concerns were reduced, and trust in the crypto space and services increased. 

Gillian Lynch, the CEO of Gemini UK and Europe, commented on the launch, reiterating the need to bring reliable and transparent crypto services to French crypto users. Lynch also mentioned that Gemini’s decision to launch in France followed a robust digital asset regulatory environment. 

Gemini’s launch provided French crypto users with diverse deposit and withdrawal options, including Apple Pay, debit cards, and bank transfers. The Gemini exchange further offered traders advanced trading options through ActiveTrader™ while offering institutional clients the eOTC trading option.

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