Gemini Expands In Australia With AUSTRAC Registration
Gemini Expands Australian Operations With AUSTRAC Registration And New Country Head
Gemini, the global cryptocurrency exchange, has expanded its footprint in Australia with official AUSTRAC registration and the appointment of James Logan as Head of Australia, positioning the company to capitalize on rising demand in one of the Asia-Pacific region’s most active digital asset markets.
AUSTRAC Registration Strengthens Gemini’s Local Presence
Gemini Intergalactic Australia Pty Ltd, the exchange’s local entity, is now registered with AUSTRAC as a digital currency provider, authorizing it to offer regulated crypto exchange services across Australia.
The expansion includes integrations with Australian banks, designed to speed up AUD deposits and withdrawals while simplifying crypto trading for local users.
Saad Ahmed, Gemini’s Head of APAC, said:
“With Australia’s rapidly expanding digital asset market, Gemini is doubling down on its Asia-Pacific strategy. Appointing James as our Head of Australia underscores our commitment to building a safe, transparent, and compliant ecosystem for both retail and institutional customers.”
Australia’s Crypto Adoption Reaches 22%
According to Gemini’s Global State of Crypto Report 2025, 22% of Australians now hold or invest in cryptocurrencies — matching the U.S. adoption rate. The figure highlights Australia’s advanced engagement with digital assets and its growing regulatory maturity.
James Logan, previously an executive at Luno and Bitget, brings extensive experience in exchange management, market expansion, and consumer trust building. He will lead Gemini’s Australian operations, focusing on partnerships, regulatory engagement, and user growth.
“Gemini’s expansion in Australia comes at an exciting time,” Logan said. “Australians are increasingly seeking trusted platforms to manage their digital assets, and I’m thrilled to help establish a long-term presence that supports adoption and innovation.”
Competitive Market And Regulatory Shifts
Gemini’s expansion positions it to compete directly with Coinbase, Kraken, and leading local exchanges such as Swyftx and CoinSpot. The Australian market is becoming increasingly competitive as global operators race to establish regulated presences ahead of upcoming government reforms.
Currently, all crypto exchanges must register with AUSTRAC and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) laws.
In September, the Australian government announced plans to require crypto platforms to obtain Australian Financial Services Licenses (AFSL), aligning them with traditional financial institutions. This shift is expected to raise compliance costs and drive consolidation — a move that could favor well-capitalized international players like Gemini.
Strategic Timing And Local Banking Advantage
By expanding now, Gemini can establish operations under current AUSTRAC requirements while preparing for stricter licensing standards once AFSL rules take effect.
A key differentiator is Gemini’s local banking integration, which addresses a long-standing challenge for Australian crypto users who have faced transaction restrictions from major banks. Streamlined AUD on- and off-ramps may provide Gemini with a crucial operational advantage over competitors.
Unlike other exchanges that manage Australia as part of a regional portfolio, Gemini’s appointment of a dedicated country head signals a long-term strategic commitment to the market. Logan’s leadership suggests a broader vision that goes beyond exchange trading — potentially including future partnerships and ecosystem growth initiatives.
Gemini’s Global Momentum
The Australian expansion follows several major milestones for Gemini worldwide:
- Obtaining MiCA (Markets in Crypto Assets) licensing for European operations.
- Launching tokenized stock trading in Europe.
- Introducing the Bitcoin Credit Card in the United States.
- Achieving NASDAQ listing and surpassing $200 billion in trading volume across 60+ markets.
These developments reinforce Gemini’s ambition to operate as a regulated global financial platform, bridging traditional finance and the crypto economy.
Disclaimer: The content above reflects the author’s personal views and does not represent any official position of Cobic News. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice from Cobic News.