The Commonwealth Bank has acquired a modest interest in global cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, extending the bank's leadership position in the embryonic digital asset industry.

CBA informed investors on Friday that it was a participant in Gemini's first-ever investment round, which revealed overnight that it had received $US400 million, valuing the company at $US7.1 billion.

Gemini is the same exchange with which CBA recently partnered to enable its customers to purchase and sell cryptocurrency through its platform, and the bank revealed it made a "minority investment" in the business as part of its recent capital raise.

"As we consider methods to help our customers, we have made the strategic decision to collaborate with Gemini, a worldwide leader with robust security and a track record of serving major institutions," Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn said.

"In Australia and New Zealand, our investment in Gemini is part of an exclusive relationship. We congratulate Gemini on successfully raising financing and look forwards to collaborating with them in the months and years ahead," he said.

Gemini is one of the world's most prominent cryptocurrency exchanges, created by the Facebook-famous Winklevoss twins. The company manages more than $US30 billion in cryptoassets and operates its own non-fungible token marketplace, Nifty Gateway.

"We are ecstatic to continue pushing the boundaries of cryptocurrency and provide individuals worldwide with increased choice, independence, and opportunity through crypto," co-founder Cameron Winklevoss said.

CBA has a track record of investing in businesses with whom it partners or that operate in industries closely related to banking, having acquired a stake in purchase now, pay later operator Klarna in 2019, which has since soared in value to more than $2.5 billion.

Morgan Creek Digital, a blockchain and digital asset specialist, also participated in Gemini's fundraising, as did 10T, ParaFi, Newflow Partners, and Marcy Venture Partners.

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