Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins has become the first company to receive Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration from the Irish Central Bank. This comes just after it recently secured the electronic money institution license granted by the Central Bank of Ireland in February.
The VASP registration in Ireland was introduced last year and requires the Central Bank to review firms to ensure they have appropriate procedures around anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism.
Commenting on the development, Gillian Lynch, Gemini Head of Ireland and EU, said:
"We are excited to offer our products and services to individuals and institutions in Ireland and countries in Europe. We opened our EU headquarters in Dublin in 2021, adding an important hub to Gemini's global footprint. As a thriving center of technology and financial innovation, we are excited to keep growing our presence in Ireland to serve its citizens as well as others in Europe."
In April, a report from Gemini found that Ireland is the most 'crypto curious' country surveyed, with 58 percent of respondents indicating some interest in cryptocurrencies. The survey also found that 18 percent of Irish respondents currently own or have previously owned cryptocurrency.