Twelve years ago, Gate emerged as a new player in the cryptocurrency exchange market. As highlighted in data provided to Decrypt, the exchange now boasts over 26 million users globally and supports an impressive array of more than 3,800 cryptocurrencies. It has established itself among the top three exchanges in the world based on total trading volume, holding the second position for spot trading and fifth for futures trading. To celebrate its 12th anniversary, Gate has introduced a comprehensive rebranding initiative that signifies its transformation into a state-of-the-art exchange designed for scalability, resilience, and a decentralized future.
Reflecting on 12 Years of Growth and Challenges
Gate’s enduring presence in a volatile industry is noteworthy. Since its inception in 2013, the exchange has navigated various market fluctuations, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. According to a representative, this anniversary is not merely a celebration but a chance to reaffirm its founding principles, particularly its dedication to innovation and prioritizing user needs.
Gate Brand Strategy Major Upgrade
During Gate’s 12th Anniversary Global Celebration, Dr. Han Lin, the Founder and CEO, outlined a strategic vision aimed at evolving into a “next-generation crypto exchange.” This vision includes significant technological enhancements and shifts in ecosystem positioning. The launch of a global domain, along with a refreshed logo, is part of this rebranding effort. The aim is to create a cleaner, more recognizable visual identity, elevating the exchange from a mere industry leader to a true trailblazer.
GateToken: Powering Utility, Community, and Deflation
Central to Gate’s ecosystem is its native utility token, GateToken (GT). The platform reported that over 1.54 million GT were burned in the first quarter of 2025, reducing its total supply to around 178 million and increasing its market capitalization to over $3.9 billion. GT offers a variety of advantages, including staking rewards, trading discounts, access to new launches, and governance voting, thus playing a vital role in the broader GateChain ecosystem, which encompasses trading, NFTs, and asset management. One of the prominent uses of GT is in Gate’s Launchpad, where participants can engage in new token sales using either GT or USDT, with recent updates making it easier for retail users to participate.
Global Reach
Gate’s transformation also extends to its regulatory framework, with its entities establishing a diverse compliance portfolio across multiple regions. The exchange has successfully secured licenses and approvals in various jurisdictions, including Lithuania, Argentina, Malta, Italy, Gibraltar, the Bahamas, and Hong Kong. A notable achievement is Gate Dubai obtaining a full operational license from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), allowing it to offer crypto trading services to both institutional and retail investors in the UAE. This milestone influenced the choice to host its anniversary celebration in Dubai, a city that has become a hub for Web3 innovation and is recognized for its progressive approach to crypto regulation.
From RWAs to AI: Gate’s Next Frontier
Beyond trading activities, Gate is positioning itself at the intersection of blockchain technology and traditional finance, particularly in the rapidly evolving area of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). Through its investment arm, Gate Labs, the company has supported Pencils Protocol, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform focused on auction and leverage services for both crypto and off-chain assets. Gate views this development as essential for enabling secure, compliant tokenization of bonds, real estate, and other assets. Additionally, the company is embracing advancements in artificial intelligence. Recent tools include the AI Crypto Picker, which identifies cryptocurrencies with strong growth potential, and the Ultra AI Trading Bot, which offers objective market insights based on real-time data. Another innovation, Smart Support & Resistance Lines, leverages AI to help users avoid liquidation by signaling important price levels.
UX Upgrades and Cultural Expansion
The anniversary celebration also heralds significant user experience enhancements, with the rollout of Version 7.0 of the Gate app, featuring a more responsive layout. The introduction of MemeBox 2.0, a portal for exploring and trading popular on-chain tokens, is part of the effort to make cryptocurrency more accessible and engaging. The redesign includes a minimalist logo and a move to the premium Gate.com domain, aimed at building trust and simplifying the user journey in an increasingly competitive marketplace. High-profile sponsorships are also boosting Gate’s visibility, with partnerships such as that with Oracle Red Bull Racing in Formula 1, which aims to connect crypto with mainstream culture by celebrating iconic racing moments through digital collectibles.
The Future
As Gate marks its 12th anniversary, it is not solely reflecting on its achievements but is also focused on shaping its future. With a refreshed brand identity, a robust token ecosystem, commitment to transparency, and growing regulatory presence, the platform is poised to become a key player in the upcoming Web3 revolution. Whether through AI-driven tools, the tokenization of real-world assets, or a commitment to compliance across various markets, Gate is dedicated to establishing a future-ready infrastructure that empowers users worldwide to engage with cryptocurrency on their terms.
