Gemini launches 100x XRP perpetual contracts in EU as SWIFT considers integrating digital assets
Gemini has introduced XRP perpetual futures trading for users situated in the European Union, signaling a significant expansion of its derivatives offerings. This move by Gemini enhances its list of perpetual contracts by incorporating one of the world’s most traded digital assets, XRP, with the added feature of up to 100 times leverage. Consequently, this offering is expected to attract both retail and institutional traders looking to capitalize on XRP’s price fluctuations.
The launch of XRP perpetual contracts for EU traders on Gemini’s fully compliant non-U.S. derivatives platform, the Gemini Foundation, enables traders to take long and short positions without the need to possess the underlying token. Such an offering provides additional flexibility for hedging and speculation purposes, catering to the evolving needs of traders in the market.
Gemini’s initiative to provide XRP perpetuals to its European user base highlights the exchange’s commitment to expanding its global market reach in response to the increasing demand for advanced trading products. By aligning itself with other major exchanges such as Binance, Bybit, and OKX in offering high-leverage exposure to prominent altcoins, Gemini is strategically positioning itself in the competitive landscape of the cryptocurrency derivatives market.
The resurgence of interest in XRP comes as Ripple continues to forge new partnerships and enhance the XRP Ledger (XRPL) with forthcoming lending and tokenization functionalities. The favorable market sentiment surrounding XRP, coupled with the introduction of leveraged trading opportunities, has the potential to amplify liquidity and volatility, creating fresh trading opportunities for market participants.
Meanwhile, SWIFT, a leading global financial messaging network, is undergoing a significant transformation as it transitions from a messaging platform to a comprehensive transaction management system by November 2025. This shift will involve the integration of digital assets and ISO 20022 standards, aiming to streamline cross-border value transfers and modernize the global finance infrastructure.
SWIFT’s evolution from a messaging network to a full transaction management platform marks a pivotal moment in the financial sector, as it positions the organization to actively facilitate cross-border payments with improved speed, accuracy, and end-to-end traceability. By embracing ISO 20022 as the global financial data standard, SWIFT is paving the way for enhanced data quality, regulatory compliance, and interoperability with digital assets.
Industry analysts anticipate that SWIFT’s transition will have a considerable impact on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), tokenized assets, and blockchain-based settlements. SWIFT’s successful pilot programs have demonstrated the seamless interoperability between traditional banking systems and distributed ledger technology (DLT), highlighting how digital assets can enhance liquidity and minimize counterparty risk in transactions.
As SWIFT moves towards full transaction management, it is poised to bridge the gap between traditional banking systems and the emerging digital asset economy, facilitating the frictionless movement of fiat and tokenized value across its extensive global network. This strategic shift positions SWIFT as a key player in the digital asset landscape, complementing blockchain networks like Ripple, Stellar, and Chainlink rather than competing with them.
In conclusion, Gemini’s introduction of XRP perpetual trading for European users and SWIFT’s imminent transition to a full transaction management platform represent significant milestones in the evolution of the cryptocurrency and traditional finance industries, respectively. These developments underscore the ongoing transformation of the financial ecosystem towards a more interconnected, efficient, and technologically advanced future.
