The cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, co-founded by the infamous Winklevoss twins, has announced its official launch in Australia, promising a new push to attract mainstream investors.

Before we go on, it’s worth clarifying: this Gemini is a New York-based crypto platform, not to be confused with Google’s AI chatbot of the same name.

Who???

Gemini is a global cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, founded in 2014, that allows users to buy, sell, and store digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Gemini is regulated in the US and has now registered with AUSTRAC in Australia. Gemini’s founders, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, are best known for their tangled history with Facebook. As Harvard students in the early 2000s, they famously claimed that Mark Zuckerberg stole their idea for a social network, an epic legal dispute later dramatised in The Social Network.

After settling with Facebook for $65 million, the twins turned their attention to cryptocurrency, emerging as two of Bitcoin’s earliest, most high-profile backers. Their reputation for both litigation and relentless ambition made them icons (and lightning rods) in the emerging crypto economy.

Why Australia?

Gemini’s entry into Australia is, by their own account, a long-term strategic move. According to the company’s Global State of Crypto Report 2025, roughly 22% of Australians already own digital assets—a figure on par with the United States. The company claims Australia is “one of the world’s most exciting crypto markets.”

Gemini’s blog states:

“This milestone comes with three big updates: James Logan appointed as Head of Australia; Registration with AUSTRAC; [and the] rollout of new AUD banking rails for faster deposits and trading.”

The platform will now allow Australians to instantly deposit Australian dollars using Osko and the New Payments Platform (NPP), eliminating the wait times and fees that have plagued crypto investors reliant on overseas wire transfers. Australians will have access to the full Gemini platform—including its advanced ActiveTrader tools and the ability to buy, sell, and trade a broad range of digital tokens using AUD.

Who’s at the helm?

Gemini has named James Logan as its new Head of Australia. Logan comes with a background in both traditional finance and crypto, having worked in senior roles at global exchanges Luno and Bitget.

Logan says the timing is right for a trusted, regulated platform:

“Australians are increasingly turning to trusted platforms to manage their digital assets. I’m thrilled to lead Gemini’s efforts here and to build a strong presence that will support long-term adoption and innovation.”

Logan will be responsible for building local partnerships and driving customer growth, as the company seeks to win over both new investors and crypto veterans.