Bitcoin in Asia 2025: The Promise and Mobilization of One Million Dollars in Inactive Capital

Bitcoin in Asia 2025: The Promise and Mobilization of One Million Dollars in Inactive Capital
Beyond liquidity, a key focus of the conference was the increasing engagement of institutional players and the demand for clear regulatory guidelines. The debate is no longer centered on whether Bitcoin deserves a place within the global financial system, but rather, under what conditions it can be safely integrated. Hong Kong, with its newly established regulatory framework for stablecoins, presented itself as a pioneering “Financial Innovation Laboratory.”

This proactive approach to regulation is already attracting projects, capital, and talent, positioning the city as a potential model for other Asian jurisdictions, including mainland China. The emphasis on clear rules signals a shift towards fostering innovation within a secure and predictable habitat.

Key Voices Weigh In on Bitcoin’s Future

Panels featured prominent figures sharing their perspectives on the industry’s current transition. Ninter Chow, Global Executive Director of Bitmart, underscored the “essential” nature of institutional volume for providing market depth and stability. He cautioned that without this participation, volatility will likely persist, hindering enduring growth.

Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ and co-founder of Binance, echoed this sentiment, advocating for regulations that keep pace with innovation. He highlighted the growing trend of companies adopting a Microstrategy-inspired strategy – holding Bitcoin as a long-term strategic asset. “Institutions now have more opportunities to participate in crypto,” CZ explained, “and greater market capitalization translates to increased stability and broader participation.”

Geopolitical Considerations Shape Bitcoin’s Trajectory

The conference also addressed the geopolitical dynamics influencing Bitcoin’s future. A panel discussion titled “Global Game Theory: The Response to America Changing Bitcoin policy” featured Grant McCarty,co-president of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, Bin Saqib, Minister of State for Blockchain in Pakistan, and Anndy Lian, an Intergovernmental Advisor at Blockchain. The consensus was that Bitcoin’s future will be persistent not solely by developments in the United States,but through a complex interplay of international policies and responses.

Eric Trump’s Bold Prediction Sparks Debate

A notable moment arrived with the appearance of Eric Trump, who revealed that he and his family had been “debanked,” leading them to view Bitcoin as a safeguard against financial exclusion and political risk. However, it was his bullish prediction – that Bitcoin will reach a value of one million dollars – that truly captured the audience’s attention. While controversial, Trump’s forecast amplified ongoing expectations surrounding the asset as it gains more mainstream acceptance.

Hong Kong’s Ascendance as a Regulatory Hub

The newly approved regulatory framework for stablecoins solidified Hong Kong’s position as a leading regulatory center in Asia. This move is interpreted as a crucial step toward broader adoption of similar models in China, signaling a commitment to balancing innovation with responsible oversight. It demonstrates a clear message: clear rules are essential for attracting investment and fostering growth.

Networking and Collaboration Fuel Momentum

Beyond the formal sessions, Bitcoin Asia 2025 fostered numerous networking opportunities. Attendees participated in private breakfasts, informal meetings, and social events, creating a vibrant hub for forging alliances, securing investment, and launching new projects. Notably, Chinese investors, communities, and entrepreneurs showed significant interest, reinforcing Asia’s vital role in the advancement of Bitcoin and Decentralized Finance (DeFi).

The Rise of Retail Investment

The conference also witnessed a strong presence of retail investors – young, tech-savvy individuals eager to learn about and participate in the ecosystem. This demonstrated that interest in Bitcoin extends beyond institutional investors and continues to thrive at the grassroots level. The juxtaposition of complex discussions on stage with the practical questions from retail investors underscored the industry’s current transition phase.

Key Takeaways from Bitcoin Asia 2025

Key Area Insight
Bitcoin Liquidity Over 99% of BTC is currently locked, necessitating strategies for unlocking it.
Institutional Involvement Essential for market stability and growth, according to industry leaders.
Hong Kong Regulation Serves as a potential model for Asia and beyond.
Retail Participation Remains a crucial driver of adoption and ecosystem growth.
Future Outlook Bold predictions, like Eric Trump’s $1 million target, highlight ongoing optimism.

Bitcoin Asia 2025 underscored Hong Kong’s role as a bridge – connecting East and West, institutions and retail investors, established infrastructure and emerging adoption. The event highlighted that mobilizing Bitcoin’s inactive liquidity is the foremost challenge, and that the growing integration of institutions and regulators is an unstoppable force.

Understanding Bitcoin Liquidity

Bitcoin liquidity refers to how easily Bitcoin can be bought or sold without significantly impacting its price. High liquidity means there are many buyers and sellers, ensuring smooth transactions. Currently, the vast majority of Bitcoin is held long-term, reducing the circulating supply and possibly hindering short-term market efficiency. According to a report by Glassnode (October 2023), over 70% of Bitcoin hasn’t been moved in over a year.

Did You Know? The concept of ‘lost’ Bitcoin, due to forgotten private keys, also contributes to the locked supply, albeit a smaller percentage.

Pro Tip: Diversification is key when investing in digital assets. Don’t allocate more capital than you can afford to lose.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bitcoin

  • What is Bitcoin liquidity? Bitcoin liquidity refers to the ease with which Bitcoin can be bought or sold without affecting its price.
  • Why is unlocking Bitcoin liquidity significant? Unlocking liquidity can fuel market growth and reduce volatility.
  • What role does regulation play in Bitcoin adoption? Clear regulatory frameworks can attract investment and foster innovation.
  • Is Hong Kong becoming a hub for Bitcoin and crypto? Yes, its new regulatory framework positions it as a key regional center.
  • What are the potential risks of investing in Bitcoin? Bitcoin is a volatile asset, and investors should be aware of the risks involved.
  • Could Bitcoin really reach $1 million? While Eric Trump predicted this, it’s a highly speculative forecast dependent on numerous factors.
  • How can retail investors get involved with Bitcoin? Through exchanges, brokers, and other platforms offering Bitcoin trading and investment services.

What are your thoughts on the future of Bitcoin? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below!

 

 

What specific regulatory hurdles in Asian countries contribute to Bitcoin remaining inactive, and how might clearer regulations impact the mobilization of this capital?

 

Bitcoin in Asia 2025: The Promise and Mobilization of One Million Dollars in Inactive Capital

The Sleeping Giant: Unlocking Asia’s Bitcoin Holdings

Asia holds a significant, yet largely untapped, potential within the Bitcoin ecosystem. Estimates suggest millions of dollars worth of Bitcoin remain dormant across the continent – held in cold storage, forgotten wallets, or by individuals unfamiliar with its current utility. In 2025, we’re seeing a growing momentum to unlock this “inactive capital,” and the potential impact on regional economies and the broader cryptocurrency market is significant. This isn’t just about price thankfulness; it’s about enabling financial inclusion, fostering innovation, and challenging conventional financial systems.

Regional Hotspots for Bitcoin Adoption & Inactive BTC

While pan-Asian trends are emerging, specific countries are leading the charge in both Bitcoin adoption and the potential for mobilizing inactive holdings.

Vietnam: A consistently high ranking in the Global Crypto Adoption Index, Vietnam boasts a tech-savvy population and a strong appetite for alternative finance. A significant portion of early Bitcoin adopters are believed to have long-term holdings.

Philippines: Remittance-heavy economies like the Philippines are increasingly turning to Bitcoin for faster, cheaper cross-border payments. Many early users may have accumulated Bitcoin as a means to circumvent traditional banking fees.

Hong Kong: Despite recent regulatory shifts, Hong Kong remains a crucial financial hub and a focal point for Bitcoin events. The upcoming “Bitcoin Asia” conference (August 28th & 29th, 2025) signals continued interest and investment in the space. https://bitcoinsaigon.org/bitcoin-asia-hongkong-2025/

Singapore: A leading fintech hub, Singapore is attracting Bitcoin-related businesses and investors, creating an environment conducive to unlocking dormant funds.

Indonesia: With a large unbanked population, Bitcoin offers a pathway to financial inclusion for millions of Indonesians.

Why is Bitcoin Remaining Inactive?

Several factors contribute to the large volume of inactive Bitcoin in Asia:

  1. Lost private Keys: A common issue globally, lost or forgotten private keys render Bitcoin inaccessible.
  2. Forgotten Wallets: Early adopters often experimented with various wallets, some of which are now lost or inaccessible.
  3. Lack of Financial Literacy: Many individuals who acquired Bitcoin early on may not fully understand its potential or how to access and utilize their holdings.
  4. Regulatory Uncertainty: Shifting regulatory landscapes in some Asian countries have created hesitancy among potential spenders.
  5. Long-term Hodling: A significant portion of inactive Bitcoin is simply held by long-term investors who believe in its future value and have no immediate plans to sell.

Mobilizing Inactive Capital: Strategies and Solutions

Several initiatives are underway to unlock this dormant wealth:

Key Recovery Services: Companies specializing in private key recovery are gaining traction,offering solutions for individuals who have lost access to their wallets.

Educational Programs: Increased financial literacy programs focused on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency are empowering users to understand and manage their holdings.

User-Kind Wallets & Exchanges: The progress of more intuitive and secure wallets and exchanges is making it easier for individuals to access and trade Bitcoin.

Bitcoin-Backed Loans: Platforms offering loans collateralized by Bitcoin allow holders to access liquidity without selling their assets.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Integration: Integrating Bitcoin into DeFi protocols opens up new opportunities for earning yield and utilizing Bitcoin in various financial applications.

The Role of Bitcoin Events & Conferences

Events like “Bitcoin Asia” in Hong Kong are crucial for fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and driving adoption. These conferences bring together industry leaders, developers, investors, and enthusiasts, creating a vibrant ecosystem that encourages innovation and unlocks new opportunities. They also serve as platforms for educating the public about the benefits of Bitcoin and addressing common misconceptions.

Benefits of Mobilizing Inactive Bitcoin in Asia

Economic Growth: Increased Bitcoin circulation can stimulate economic activity, particularly in developing countries.

Financial Inclusion: Bitcoin provides access to financial services for the unbanked and underbanked populations.

Innovation: Unlocking capital fuels innovation in the Bitcoin and broader blockchain space.

Increased Market Liquidity: Mobilizing inactive Bitcoin increases liquidity in the market, making it more efficient.

Empowerment: Individuals gain greater control over their finances and participate in a decentralized financial system.

Practical Tips for Accessing Your Bitcoin

If you believe you have inactive Bitcoin, here are some steps you can take:

  1. Search Your Records: Thoroughly review old emails, hard drives, and notebooks for wallet information, private keys, or seed phrases.
  2. Contact Wallet Providers: If you remember the wallet provider, contact their support team for assistance.
  3. Explore Key Recovery Services: Consider using a reputable key recovery service if you’ve exhausted other options. Exercise caution and thoroughly research any service before entrusting it with your information.*
  4. Consult with a Bitcoin Expert: Seek guidance from an informed Bitcoin professional.

 

Source: https://www.archyde.com/bitcoin-in-asia-2025-the-promise-and-mobilization-of-one-million-dollars-in-inactive-capital/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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Annum Capital Publishes Stablecoin Report for Family Offices

Annum Capital Publishes Stablecoin Report for Family Offices

Annum Capital, a leading financial services group in Hong Kong, today released “Flying Cash: Rise of Stablecoins” – a report that discusses historical precedents and ongoing evolution of stablecoins and provides insights for family offices and wealth managers at a time when technological maturity, regulatory clarity, and rising institutional demand are converging to drive the rise of stablecoins.

This report is co-authored by Annum Capital, Deane Consulting and Anndy Lian, and supported by global firms including Schroders Capital, FTSE Russell, FactSet, Aberdeen, Marex, Synpulse as well as Hong Kong’s local institutions such as Family Office Association of Hong Kong (FOAHK), China Family Office Research Institute, uSmart, Easyview, and Turoid.

  • This report examines the evolution of asset-backed, privately-issued instruments of value transfer, drawing parallels from financial innovations in ancient China (e.g. “flying cash” in Tang dynasty) to more recent incarnations including stablecoins.
  • The report narrates the birth of USDT and USDC, and recounts how stablecoins have gone mainstream when the stars were finally aligned. The report reviews global regulatory stance towards stablecoins, from initial ambivalence to gradual encouragement to potential jurisdictional competition on the horizons.
  • The economic implications of stablecoins are explored, including digital dollarization in emerging markets, new dynamics in the US deficit calculus, challenges to policy independence, and how the reduced friction in payment can impact the velocity of money and market volatilities.
  • The report also surveys the broader digital assets ecosystem – issuers, exchanges, infrastructure providers, custodians, corporate adopters, and early movers in Hong Kong.

This report is the first publication of the Annum Capital Digital Finance Whitepaper Series, a multi-year collaboration project between Annum Capital and its partners in traditional and digital finance.

Click to download the report: https://www.annum.com.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Annum-Capital_Stablecoin-Report_August-2025.pdf

 

About Annum Capital

Annum Capital is a Hong Kong-based financial services group with market leadership in external asset management (EAM), fund management, index investing, private markets, and strategic advisory.

About Deane Consulting

Founded by Andrew Deane, a well-known publisher and specialist adviser in the wealth management sector, Deane Consulting works with companies in the wealth eco-system across AsiaMiddle East and Europe on strategic topics.

About Anndy Lian

Anndy Lian is an all-rounded business strategist in Asia. He has provided advisory across a variety of industries for local, international, and public-listed companies and governments. He is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur, book author, investor, board member, and keynote speaker.

Disclaimer:

This report – “Flying Cash: Rise of Stablecoins” – is intended solely for informational purposes for family offices and wealth managers. It has not been reviewed or approved by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong or elsewhere.

Any reference to specific cryptocurrencies, tokens, digital assets, financial instruments, insurance or investment products, platforms, or companies is provided solely for illustrative or informational purposes. Such references do not constitute, and should not be interpreted as, an offer, solicitation, endorsement, or recommendation to transact in any of the products or entities mentioned, nor do they represent the formation of any legal or advisory relationship.

This report does not constitute investment advice or advertisement or invitation to acquire, dispose of or trade any assets or products referred to in this report. Nothing in this report should be relied upon as a basis for making any investment decision. This report does not constitute and should not be regarded as financial, investment, legal, or tax advice.

This report is intended for readers in Hong Kong and is to be distributed only in jurisdictions where local laws and regulations allow its distribution.

This report is based on resources as of July 2025 that the authors reasonably believe to be reliable. The authors do not give any warranty on the accuracy of the information contained in this report and accept no liability of any kind for any damage or loss of any nature arising from or in connection with this report.

© 2025 Annum Capital. All rights reserved. This press release and the report referenced herein are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, or broadcast in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of Annum Capital.

 

Check out the press release at:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/annum-capital-publishes-stablecoin-report-for-family-offices-302539668.html

Read the report at:
https://www.annum.com.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Annum-Capital_Stablecoin-Report_August-2025.pdf

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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Canary Capital launches Axelar Trust targeting institutional investors

Canary Capital launches Axelar Trust targeting institutional investors

Digital asset investment firm Canary Capital has launched a new Axelar private investment fund, giving institutional investors direct access to the interoperability network’s native token, AXL.

According to a Feb. 20 announcement, the Canary AXL Trust will be available to institutional and accredited investors. Currently, Axelar has a market capitalization of more than $444 million and nearly $1 billion in total value locked (TVL), according to Flipside Crypto.

Axelar’s interoperability stack went live in October, allowing decentralized applications to connect with various blockchains, including Solana, Stellar and Sui. Axelar’s technology also allows developers to tokenize real-world assets, including real estate, commodities and intellectual property.

Canary cited Axelar’s major institutional partnerships with Apollo Global Management, JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank as one of the reasons for launching an AXL fund.

“In addition to evaluating top 20 market cap protocols, we are evaluating a handful of top 100 market cap protocols that have strong teams of developers that are building real applications and platforms [and] have the potential, based on developer interest along with launching product, to win in their category and make it to a large market cap,” Canary Capital CEO Steven McClurg told Cointelegraph.

“Axelar qualifies in the category of interoperability,” said McClurg. “There is already demand for AXL among qualified investors.”

Institutional demand for crypto is growing

The launch of Canary’s new trust coincides with a boom in institutional demand for crypto assets. Unlike the closed-ended AXL Trust, Canary is also pursuing open-ended exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to Solana, Litecoin and XRP.

The applications were submitted following the overwhelming success of the US spot Bitcoin ETFs, which sucked in nearly $40 billion in net assets in 2024. Bitwise’s Matt Hougan believes the US Bitcoin funds could attract more than $50 billion in investor inflows this year.

Increased regulatory clarity in the United States under President Donald Trump is expected to see more institutional uptake of digital assets in the near future, Chainalysis CEO Jonathan Levin told Cointelegraph in January.

Industry executives have also cited President Trump’s executive order banning the creation of a central bank digital currency as a major driver of institutional adoption.

“This move tells you where Trump stands: He’s betting on the existing crypto market rather than creating government-backed digital dollars. It’s a vote of confidence in Bitcoin, Ethereum and others, potentially giving them a boost in legitimacy and market value,” Anndy Lian, an intergovernmental blockchain adviser, told Cointelegraph.

Representatives from the crypto and institutional investment industries recently met with President Trump’s Crypto Task Force to discuss ways to open up the market to more established players. They requested clearer guidelines around exchange-traded products and protocol staking, among others.

 

Source: https://cointelegraph.com/news/canary-capital-launches-institutional-axelar-fund

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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