Cryptocurrency platform Gemini launches secure exchange and custody services to consumers and institutions in Ireland

Gemini has launched its cryptocurrency exchange and custody services in Ireland, providing individuals and institutions with a simple and secure way to buy more than 100 cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, ether, and DeFi tokens.

Customers can now open an account via the Gemini website or mobile application and easily buy cryptocurrencies in euros (EUR) and pound sterling (GBP). Users can make purchases with their debit card or using Apple Pay or Google Pay, and can fund their account immediately through their banks via SEPA transfer.

Financial institutions, fintechs and corporations can use Gemini’s institutional-grade, crypto-native platform to access custody, clearing, trade execution, price discovery and portfolio construction services, all in one place.

ActiveTrader, a high-performance crypto trading platform that delivers professional-level experience, is available for use by more advanced traders.

Gemini’s launch follows the recent approval for registration by the Central Bank of Ireland for the cryptocurrency platform to provide crypto services to the Irish market. Gemini is the first company to receive the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration, which followed its authorisation as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) by the Central Bank in March 2022.

Going live in Ireland is the latest step in the company’s European growth strategy. The expansion is built on an approach of proactive and positive engagement with regulators and policymakers to obtain the required levels of licensing and approvals.

“Gemini is committed to providing consumers and institutions with a secure entry point into crypto. We’re excited to be live in Ireland, where there is strong demand among a highly educated and tech literate consumer base for accessible crypto services in euros,” Gillian Lynch, Head of Ireland and Europe at Gemini, said. “Ireland has a developed financial services industry and is an internationally recognised technology hub that serves as a gateway to the wider European fintech market. We look forward to continuing our expansion in the region.”

Gemini Study Finds The Majority (58%) of Irish Are Crypto Curious, Announces Central Bank of Ireland E-money Institution (EMI) Licence

The 2022 Global State of Crypto report released today by cryptocurrency exchange Gemini found that 58% of Irish respondents who do not currently own cryptocurrency are interested in learning more or are likely to acquire it in the next 12 months.

Compared globally to 20 countries surveyed, this is the largest ‘crypto curious’ segment in any one country, followed by Germany (53%), Colombia (50%) and the UK (49%). The majority (54%) of the ‘crypto curious’ Irish are women.

The survey revealed that 18% of Irish respondents currently own or have previously owned cryptocurrency, in line with levels of ownership in other developed countries, such as the UK (18%), Germany (17%), Australia (18%) and the US (20%).

Gemini is a platform that offers individuals and institutions simple tools to buy, sell, and store crypto like bitcoin and ether. It was founded in 2014 in the US by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. The company recently secured an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence from the Central Bank of Ireland, the first such licence granted by the Central Bank of Ireland since 2020.

Gillian Lynch, Gemini’s Head of Ireland and Europe, said, “This global survey reveals that Irish people have a strong appetite for crypto, which is expected given Ireland’s international reputation as a hub for financial services and emerging technologies. We are proud that the Central Bank of Ireland recently awarded Gemini an Electronic Money Institutions licence, which is a testament to our high standards of consumer protections. We look forward to bringing our simple and secure crypto services to customers in Ireland and Europe more broadly.”

The Global State of Crypto Report shares global adoption, barriers to entry, and attitudes around cryptocurrency and is one of a series of reports Gemini will launch this year.

Other key findings from the report include:

79% of Irish investors are holding their cryptocurrency for long-term gains, and 39% are actively trading their crypto.
35% of current owners are 25-34 years old and 28% of current owners are 35-44 years old.
40% of current investors were female and 60% were male, although 54% of the crypto curious segment are female, compared to 46% male.

For more insights, download the full report at https://www.gemini.com/state-of-crypto.