Crypto exchange Gemini is stepping up its operations in Australia after officially registering with AUSTRAC, the country’s anti-money laundering regulator, appointing a Head of Australia, and new AUD banking rails for faster deposits and trading.
The AUSTRAC registration allows the company’s local entity, Gemini Intergalactic Australia Pty Ltd, to offer digital currency exchange services directly to Australian customers. Previously, Australians could only access Gemini through its global platform.
Moreover, in an official announcement, Gemini announced that James Logan has been appointed as Head of Australia. He previously worked at crypto exchanges Luno and Bitget, and will lead the company’s strategy, partnerships, and customer growth.
“Australians are increasingly turning to trusted platforms to manage their digital assets, and I’m thrilled to lead Gemini’s efforts here and to build a strong presence that will support long-term adoption and innovation,” Logan said.
Gemini has begun supporting Australian dollar trading via local banking systems like PayID and instant payment, eliminating cross-border transfers. Its expansion into Australia will also allow users to instantly deposit AUD, trade seamlessly without international fees, and access a wide range of tokens on its platforms.
Regulatory context
The move comes as Australia gears up for tighter regulation of crypto exchanges, such as full financial services licenses under the Corporations Act. Under the proposed framework, crypto operators would need an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) and comply with the same standards as traditional financial institutions.
Approximately 22% of Australians currently hold digital assets. Analysts note that the nation’s high rate of adoption, increasing institutional demand, and developing regulatory regime make it an important market for cryptocurrency exchanges.
Global growth of Gemini
Gemini initially ventured into the Australian market in 2019 with trades in prominent cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. The recent registration with AUSTRAC is one element in an overall formal process being implemented across all crypto entities within the nation.
Around the world, Gemini has achieved various milestones, such as the acquisition of a European MiCA license, the roll-out of tokenized stock trading in Europe, the launch of a Bitcoin credit card in the United States, and going public on NASDAQ. The exchange is based in over 60 countries and has cleared over $200 billion in volume.
In Australia, registration with AUSTRAC places Gemini to stand in direct competition with international exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken and domestic platforms like Swyftx and CoinSpot.
