Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange co-founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has launched a new self-custody wallet that integrates decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and Web3 capabilities. Announced on August 14, 2025, the Gemini Wallet is designed to improve accessibility, security, and usability for both retail and developer users [1]. The wallet replaces the traditional seed-phrase-based custody model with a passkey-powered system, offering a streamlined onboarding experience while reducing the risk of user error [5].

The Gemini Wallet supports multiple blockchain networks including Ethereum, Arbitrum, and Polygon, enabling users to manage digital assets and interact with decentralized applications (dapps) across different chains. A key feature is its integration with Biconomy’s Nexus stack, a modular smart account infrastructure that allows for greater flexibility and adaptability. This framework supports functionalities such as deterministic addressing, gas fee sponsorship, and risk scanning, making the wallet more dynamic and secure [5].

Notably, the wallet offers gas-free swaps through gas fee sponsorship, a feature that eliminates transaction costs for users. This is expected to lower barriers to entry for those new to blockchain and encourage more frequent onchain activity [4]. Additionally, the wallet includes a built-in onchain dashboard that simplifies the process of exploring dapps and engaging with DeFi platforms [2].

The Gemini Wallet also introduces ENS sub-registration, allowing users to claim personalized domain names such as “you.gemini.eth,” enhancing identity anchoring in the Web3 space [5]. The wallet’s use of passkey authentication, rather than mnemonic phrases, aligns with broader industry trends toward account abstraction and modular smart account infrastructure [5]. By leveraging the Nexus stack, Gemini has built a production-ready, audited framework that supports the continuous addition of new modules without requiring full redeployment of the account structure [5].

The launch of the Gemini Wallet is part of a broader trend in the crypto industry to simplify user experiences and reduce friction in onchain interactions. Gemini’s strategy appears to focus on expanding user adoption rather than immediate financial gain, as no direct institutional funding details were disclosed at the time of launch. The emphasis on user-friendly design and advanced security features may set new standards for self-custodial wallets and influence how other platforms approach DeFi integration [2].

Developers benefit from the wallet’s modular architecture, which allows for rapid iteration and feature development. The ability to add or remove functionalities without redeploying the entire account structure is a significant advantage in a fast-evolving industry [5]. As more users and developers adopt the Gemini Wallet, it is likely to contribute to increased onchain activity and greater engagement with DeFi platforms.

The introduction of the Gemini Wallet also highlights the growing convergence between traditional and decentralized finance. By offering a secure and intuitive self-custody solution with DeFi capabilities, Gemini is positioning itself as a competitive player in the evolving crypto landscape. However, the expansion into DeFi may also draw increased regulatory scrutiny, particularly within the U.S. crypto ecosystem [2].

Source:

[1] Ethereum News Today: Gemini Launches Self-Custody … (https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-gemini-launches-custody-wallet-defi-multichain-support-2508/) [2] Gemini Launches Self-Custody Wallet With Passkey Tech … (https://news.bitcoin.com/gemini-launches-self-custody-wallet-with-passkey-tech-and-web3-integration/) [4] Gemini Launches Web3 Wallet with Passkey and Gas Fee … (https://www.ainvest.com/news/gemini-launches-web3-wallet-passkey-gas-fee-subsidies-2508/) [5] Gemini Builds on the Biconomy Nexus Stack to Power Its … (https://blog.biconomy.io/gemini-builds-on-the-biconomy-nexus-stack-to-power-its-self-custodial-wallet/)