Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has confidentially filed papers to go public on the US stock exchange, according to Bloomberg. Should all go along, Gemini might go public right away this year. To enable this large-scale action, they have, behind the scenes, engaged two banking heavyweights, Goldman Sachs and Citigroup.
Gemini Clears Legal Challenges Ahead of IPO
It hasn’t been easy for Gemini to get to this point. The company recently emerged from a lengthy investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which was eventually closed after 699 days without further legal action. This is undoubtedly a welcome relief from the regulatory pressure that had previously loomed over their operations.
Furthermore, they agreed to pay the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) a $5 million civil penalty in January 2025. The charges are per line with their 2017 bitcoin future contract remarks. In addition to paying the fine, the company is also subject to a permanent injunction.
On the one hand, this cleanup might be Gemini’s way to make sure legal problems do not hinder their movements onto the stock exchange floor. Should the IPO go through, Gemini will be among the list of cryptocurrency startups beginning to find acceptance in traditional stock markets.
European Expansion: Malta and France as Gateways
Gemini is moving fast in Europe but in the US they are subject to tight laws. The CNF report reveals that Malta is now the operational base of the company in the area. This action was done in line with their attempts to follow European Union Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) rules in effect.
Particularly in the blockchain-based financial industry, Malta itself is regarded as one of the nations open to digital innovation. Gemini first became known in Malta in December 2024 when they acquired a Virtual Financial Assets Services (VFA) license.
Gemini is also looking at other, equally interesting markets outside Malta. Having been designated as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP), they formally started activities in France in November 2024. France makes sense for Gemini to thrive, given the growing crypto environment and more liberal rules. They are reinforcing their European bases even further with these two operational bases before broad expansion.
Will Gemini’s IPO Be a Success?
Given all this preparation, the issue now is: will Gemini’s IPO draw investors?
On the one hand, Gemini is not a new player. They have developed a service that many people trust and already have a good name in the business. Conversely, the crypto market is still somewhat erratic, hence traditional stock market investors could still be reluctant to enter the space.
Credit: Source link
