In a surprising move on February 28,2025 , the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially dropped its investigation into Gemini, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange. This decision marks a significant shift in the SEC’s approach to regulating the crypto industry, following a nearly two-year investigation into Gemini’s Earn program. Here’s a closer look at what this means for Gemini, the crypto industry, and the future of regulation.
Background: The Investigation The SEC’s investigation centered on Gemini’s Earn program, which allowed users to lend their crypto assets in exchange for yield. The SEC claimed that this program involved the sale of unregistered securities, a common point of contention in the crypto space. Gemini’s Earn program was closely linked to Genesis Global Capital, a firm that halted withdrawals during the 2022 bear market, causing significant issues for Gemini’s program.