On January 23, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reached an agreement to close its enforcement case against Gemini, a crypto exchange created by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, following the full restitution of investor assets involved in the exchange's lending initiative.
The SEC and Gemini, now operating under the name Gemini Space Station, jointly filed a stipulation in Manhattan federal court to dismiss the case. This action references the complete reimbursement of crypto assets to Gemini Earn investors, which was achieved as part of Genesis Global Capital’s bankruptcy process concluded between May and June 2024.
This step follows a decision made by the financial regulator last year to resolve the case. Notably, the SEC's stance on crypto enforcement has evolved under the administration of President Donald Trump. The administration promoted crypto-favorable regulations and aimed to integrate digital currencies into mainstream financial use.
Gemini did not provide an immediate comment when approached outside standard business hours.
In 2023, Gemini Trust Company and Genesis Global Capital were formally charged by the SEC with unlawfully selling securities to a substantial number of investors through their crypto lending platform. Gemini Earn involved customers lending cryptocurrencies to Genesis and subsequently receiving interest payments on these loans.
At the time Genesis froze customer accounts in November 2022, the Gemini Earn assets were valued at approximately $940 million, as previously disclosed by Gemini. Distinct from other crypto platforms that collapsed following the 2022 market downturn, Genesis succeeded in returning customers’ crypto holdings in-kind rather than liquidating assets and reimbursing in cash.
The court document submitted on Friday emphasizes that "due to the 100 percent in-kind return of Gemini Earn investors' crypto assets via the Genesis bankruptcy and settlements, the Commission considers dismissal of claims against the defendant appropriate." The SEC also clarified that this dismissal is specific to this case and does not signal its position regarding other matters.
Gemini’s public listing on Nasdaq last year marked a significant moment, reflecting the expanding institutional interest in digital assets and renewed investor enthusiasm. At present, Gemini's valuation stands at $1.14 billion based on information from LSEG.