On Feb 5th, 2026, Gemini crypto exchange declared it would pull out of the UK, EU, and Australia. Meanwhile, the company said it intends to cut about 25% of its workers globally, largely due to the company’s intention to reorganize its focus towards the US and develop regulated derivative and prediction market services. 

In a blog post on the subject, Gemini co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss stated that their decision to pull out of some markets was driven primarily by increasing compliance costs and operational complexity in other markets, making it impossible to continue expanding into those markets.

Furthermore, according to the company, the growing demand in those markets did not justify the amount of necessary resources to maintain their presence there.

Gemini to Pull Back From Global Markets

“Those international markets proved difficult for us to dominate for a variety of reasons,” the Winklevoss twins stated. “We’re spread too thin.”

According to the company, Gemini will begin winding down services outside the US in stages as part of the overall strategic reorganization plan.

Gemini’s decision to scale back internationally represents a major change in direction for the exchange. In the past, Gemini aggressively sought to expand internationally, but today the company believes that focusing on its domestic market will provide greater long term opportunities.

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 Staff Cuts Due To Increased Use Of AI

Gemini’s decision to lay off another 25% of its staff, in addition to the 50% staff cut the company performed in 2025, reflects the company’s ongoing transition towards a more automated and streamlined operating model. 

According to the company, the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled Gemini to operate more efficiently with fewer employees across both its engineering and business departments.

Management stated that the reductions are designed to improve the company’s ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and remain competitive, rather than a reflection of the company’s financial situation.

Focusing Efforts On The U.S.

At the same time, Gemini is accelerating its efforts to expand in the United States. Recently, Gemini received approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to launch a regulated prediction market platform. Additionally, the company signaled plans to introduce new derivatives products specifically designed for U.S. customers.

According to company officials, the reason for focusing efforts on the U.S. is because the company can concentrate its resources in a market that has clearer regulatory guidelines and greater growth potential.

Regulatory Pressure Eases

The renewed focus on the U.S. by Gemini comes as the regulatory pressure on the company appears to be decreasing. Specifically, the company reported that the SEC plans to drop its long-running suit against the company regarding the Gemini Earn program. After full repayment of losses suffered by affected users, the suit is expected to be dismissed permanently.

The news of the Gemini layoffs reflects a larger trend of cryptocurrency companies prioritizing their core markets over expensive international expansion. 

Why This Matters

This restructuring is an example of how large cryptocurrency exchange companies are modifying their business models and operational processes to excel in an increasingly difficult market and changing regulatory environments.

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