Gemini Trust Company, LLC (Gemini), a cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, confirmed on December 17, 2020 that this month marks the highly anticipated launch of Ethereum 2.0 Phase 0. Although the complete implementation of Ethereum 2.0 (Eth2) will be rolled out in different phases, Gemini said that it intends to support Eth2 trading and sticking “as soon as possible.”
The Gemini team notes that Ethereum is an innovative blockchain that has “pushed forward decentralized applications, including decentralized finance (DeFi).”
They added:
“We look forward to continuing to support the Ethereum community and new developments as Eth2 transforms and reaches its next milestone – so that we can give all our customers the ability to access and gain from the latest crypto developments.”
On December 10, 2020, the Gemini team announced that they had welcomed David Abner as the company’s new Head of Global Business Development.
The Gemini team said:
“David will lead the expansion of Gemini’s institutional business and strengthen our reputation as a trusted and secure cryptocurrency exchange and custodian. He will manage a team focused on building Gemini relationships with large institutional partners and high net worth individuals on a global scale. ”
David Dabner previously launched Capital Partners, a boutique advisory and investment firm specializing in exchange traded funds (ETFs) and digital assets. David also spent over 10 years working at WisdomTree Asset Management. He served as EVP of WisdomTree and CEO of WisdomTree Europe, where he was responsible for a “significant” expansion of managed assets as it became one of the largest European ETF providers. Prior to working at WisdomTree, David was an MD and Head of ETFs at BNP Paribas and Bear Stearns.
Earlier this month, Gemini announced the launch of the Gemini Opportunity Fund, “a donor-advised fund that will support the development of Bitcoin Core through grants, fellowships, and donations.” The Gemini Opportunity Fund intends to support Bitcoin Core developers who plan to improve the “usability, security and resilience of the Bitcoin Network.”
The Gemini Opportunity Fund will provide $ 50,000 in BTC funding to the Human Rights Institute’s Bitcoin Development Fund which supports Bitcoin developers “who are working to improve privacy on the Bitcoin Network and make bitcoin a tool for financial freedom.”
The Fund will also provide $ 150,000 in BTC funding to Brink John Newbery, a not-for-profit fellowship program headquartered in London and intending to support “outstanding” Bitcoin developers. Fellows plans to work collaboratively and “be mentored by John, formerly the developer of Chaincode Labs, and Mike Schmidt, a former Blockstream student.”
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