Gemini has rolled out ether (ETH) and solana (SOL) staking and a new perpetual futures product for customers across the European Union, the exchange said Friday — the latest move after securing approval under the EU’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets Regulation (MiCA) and shifting operations to a Malta‑based entity.
The exchange’s staking service lets users earn rewards on ETH and SOL with no minimum balance required. Gemini says ETH rewards are variable while SOL staking can yield up to 6%, paid through the platform and available to retail customers in the region.
Gemini Perpetuals introduces USDC‑denominated contracts with up to 100x leverage and no expiry date. The derivatives arm will operate under the firm’s MiFID II license, positioning Gemini to offer regulated margin products to European traders.
The launch reflects Gemini’s strategy to expand in Europe and offer a broader suite of regulated crypto products. Mark Jennings, Gemini’s CEO of Europe, framed the rollout as part of a push to “democratise access to alternative, risk‑managed financial instruments.”
What this means for users: Staking can provide passive yield but rewards fluctuate and are subject to network and platform risks (including slashing or protocol changes). Perpetual futures carry amplified risk — high leverage can lead to rapid losses and may not be suitable for inexperienced traders. Users should assess risk tolerance and read product terms carefully.
Source: CoinDesk. Read the original coverage for full details.