Gemini (founded 2014, private US-headquartered exchange) and Kraken (founded 2011, private US-headquartered exchange) both hold confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisation per our June 2026 research — Gemini via Malta (MFSA) and Kraken via Ireland/Luxembourg (CBI/CSSF) — each checkable on the ESMA register. The clearest verifiable difference is operating history: Kraken (2011) has three more years of track record than Gemini (2014). We publish no fees or ratings and this is information, not financial advice.
Crypto exchange comparison
Gemini vs Kraken: an honest, regulation-first comparison
By Exchange Atlas Editorial Team · Last updated 8 July 2026
Gemini vs Kraken: the verified facts
| Exchange | Licence & regulatory status | maker-taker-fee | supported-coins | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gemini Founded 2014 | EU MiCA CASP | — | — | |
| Kraken Founded 2011 | EU MiCA CASP | — | — |
Only fields we can verify (licence status, founding year) are shown. We publish no fees or ratings we have not confirmed.
How do they compare on the facts?
Both Gemini and Kraken are US-headquartered private exchanges that hold confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisations per our research. The table shows only the fields we can confirm — founding year and CASP status. We do not publish fee schedules, supported-coin counts, withdrawal limits or ratings we have not verified against each exchange's current pages.
Both are long-running, with Kraken (2011) having a slightly longer operating history than Gemini (2014). Kraken is often noted for a derivatives and margin trading focus alongside spot, and for a breach-light record on its security disclosures. Gemini's affiliate terms were unconfirmed in our research, and its focus is spot trading and custody for US and international markets. Confirm each exchange's current registration with your own national regulator before depositing.
Who suits whom
If you weight the longest operating history and a more trading-oriented platform including margin where available, Kraken's longer record and trading focus is a point in its favour, alongside a confirmed EU MiCA CASP.
If you weight a straightforward spot and custody focus, Gemini is worth considering — with the caveat that its affiliate terms were unconfirmed in our research so we wire no link. Both carry confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisations, so neither has a clear regulatory edge. The deciding factors are your country's rules, the products you need, and the live fees — verify before depositing. This is information, not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
Are both Gemini and Kraken EU MiCA-regulated?
Per our June 2026 research, both Gemini and Kraken hold confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisation — Gemini via Malta (MFSA) and Kraken via Ireland/Luxembourg — each checkable on the ESMA register. A CASP authorisation passports across the EU/EEA from the issuing member state. Always confirm the current live entry with your own national regulator before depositing. This is information, not financial advice.
Which is safer, Gemini or Kraken?
On the verifiable evidence, both hold confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisation per our June 2026 research, and both have long operating histories (Kraken from 2011, Gemini from 2014). Kraken is often noted for a breach-light security record on its disclosures. 'Safer' still depends on your country's rules, each exchange's terms, and crypto market volatility — verify with your national regulator before depositing. This is information, not financial advice.
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