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Bitcoin ETFs: Which Region Is Next To See Approvals And Poise As A Hub? Australia? Hong Kong?

Bitcoin ETFs: Which Region Is Next To See Approvals And Poise As A Hub? Australia? Hong Kong?

Bitcoin ETFs are live, changing the investing game everywhere. With the US joining the ranks of other approved countries, the big question is which region is next to see approvals and poise as a hub for Bitcoin ETFs. I will share my views who are the most likely candidates for the next wave of Bitcoin ETF launches, based on their market size, regulatory environment, investor demand, and innovation potential. I will also discuss the analyst sentiment on bringing more liquidity into Bitcoin products through ETF launches, and when the public can expect approval in specific regions.

Why Australia’s main stock market (ASX) makes sense for the next BTC ETF launch

Australia is one of the most developed and sophisticated financial markets in the Asia-Pacific region, with a strong and stable economy, a robust and transparent regulatory framework, and a high level of investor protection and education. The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is the primary stock exchange in Australia, and one of the largest in the Asia-Pacific region, with over 2,300 listed companies and a total value of over $2.3 trillion as of February 2024. The ASX also offers a diverse range of products and services, including equities, derivatives, commodities, fixed income, and exchange-traded products (ETPs), such as ETFs and leveraged and inverse products (L&I Products).

Australia is also a leading country in terms of cryptocurrency adoption and innovation, with a supportive and progressive attitude towards digital assets. According to a report, 17% of Australians own some form of cryptocurrency, making it the top most ready crypto-friendly country in the world, in front of U.S., Brazil and UAE. I was talking to an association in Australia and was told that there are over 300 crypto businesses, 40 crypto exchanges, and 20 crypto funds operating in the country. Although, I do not have the exact numbers but I do believe there are more. Additionally, Australia has a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto assets, which covers aspects such as taxation, anti-money laundering, consumer protection, and licensing. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is the main regulator for crypto assets in Australia, and has issued several guidelines and statements on how crypto assets are treated under the existing laws and regulations. You can refer to ASIC’s Information Sheet 225, Crypto-assets (INFO 225) as a guide for the community and industry understand when financial services laws may apply to crypto-assets.

Given these factors, it makes sense for Australia’s main stock market, the ASX, to be the next destination for Bitcoin ETF launches. In fact, Australia already has access to physically backed Bitcoin ETFs since May 2022, via the 21shares Bitcoin ETF (EBTC) listed on Cboe Australia, a secondary exchange that operates under the ASX’s license. However, the ASX itself has not yet approved any Bitcoin ETFs, despite receiving several applications from various providers, such as BetaShares, VanEck, and Fidelity. The main reason for the delay is the ASX’s cautious and conservative approach towards crypto assets, which reflects its high standards and expectations for product quality, investor suitability, and market integrity. The ASX has stated that it is closely monitoring the developments and innovations in the crypto space, and that it is open to considering Bitcoin ETFs, as long as they meet its rigorous requirements and address its concerns8.

Some of the key issues that the ASX is likely to consider before approving Bitcoin ETFs are:

  • The liquidity and volatility of the underlying Bitcoin market, and the potential impact on the ETF’s price discovery, trading, and redemption.
  • The security and reliability of the Bitcoin custodian, and the measures taken to prevent hacking, theft, or loss of the Bitcoin holdings.
  • The valuation and accounting methods used to determine the net asset value (NAV) of the ETF, and the frequency and accuracy of the NAV calculation and dissemination.
  • The risk management and compliance policies and procedures of the ETF provider, and the adequacy of the disclosure and reporting to the investors and the regulators.
  • The suitability and education of the investors, and the availability of sufficient information and guidance on the risks and benefits of investing in Bitcoin ETFs.

I believe that these issues are not insurmountable, and that the ASX will eventually approve Bitcoin ETFs, as long as the applicants can demonstrate that they have addressed them satisfactorily, and that they have the necessary expertise, experience, and resources to offer a high-quality and safe product. I also believe that the ASX will benefit from approving Bitcoin ETFs, as it will enhance its reputation as a leading and innovative exchange, attract more investors and capital to its market, and diversify its product offering and revenue streams. Therefore, I expect that the ASX will approve Bitcoin ETFs in the second half of 2024, following the example of other major exchanges around the world.

Analyst sentiment on bringing more liquidity into Bitcoin products through ETF launches

One of the main benefits of Bitcoin ETFs is that they bring more liquidity into Bitcoin products, by increasing the supply and demand of Bitcoin, and by facilitating the trading and arbitrage of Bitcoin across different platforms and markets. Liquidity is a measure of how easily and quickly an asset can be bought or sold without affecting its price, and it is an important factor for the efficiency, stability, and growth of any market. Higher liquidity means lower transaction costs, faster execution, better price discovery, lower volatility, and higher investor confidence.

Analysts generally have a positive sentiment on bringing more liquidity into Bitcoin products through ETF launches, as they believe that it will improve the overall performance and attractiveness of Bitcoin as an asset class, and that it will create more opportunities and value for investors, traders, and the crypto industry. Some of the main arguments that analysts make in favor of Bitcoin ETFs are:

  • Bitcoin ETFs increase the demand for Bitcoin, as they attract more investors, especially institutional and retail investors, who may otherwise be reluctant or unable to invest in Bitcoin directly, due to technical, regulatory, or operational barriers. Bitcoin ETFs also increase the supply of Bitcoin, as they require the ETF providers to buy and hold Bitcoin to back their ETF shares, creating a positive feedback loop that drives up the price and the adoption of Bitcoin.
  • Bitcoin ETFs facilitate the trading and arbitrage of Bitcoin, as they allow investors to buy and sell Bitcoin on regulated exchanges and platforms, with lower fees, higher liquidity, and better security, than on unregulated or offshore crypto exchanges. Bitcoin ETFs also allow investors to exploit price differences and inefficiencies between the spot and the futures markets, and between different regions and jurisdictions, creating a more integrated and efficient global market for Bitcoin.
  • Bitcoin ETFs improve the price discovery and the volatility of Bitcoin, as they reflect the true and fair value of Bitcoin, based on the supply and demand of the market, rather than the speculation or manipulation of the market. Bitcoin ETFs also reduce the volatility of Bitcoin, as they smooth out the price fluctuations and the shocks caused by external events, such as hacks, bans, or news, by providing more liquidity and stability
  • Bitcoin ETFs enhance the reputation and the legitimacy of Bitcoin, as they bring Bitcoin into the mainstream financial system, by making it available on regulated exchanges and platforms, and by attracting institutional and retail investors who may otherwise be skeptical or hostile towards Bitcoin. Bitcoin ETFs also foster a more positive and constructive relationship between the crypto industry and the regulators, as they demonstrate the willingness and the ability of the crypto industry to comply with the existing laws and regulations, and to cooperate with the regulators to address their concerns and expectations.

When the public can expect approval in specific regions

The approval and the launch of Bitcoin ETFs in different regions depend on various factors, such as the market size, the regulatory environment, the investor demand, and the innovation potential of each region. Therefore, it is difficult to predict with certainty when the public can expect approval in specific regions, as each region has its own challenges and opportunities, and as the crypto space is constantly evolving and changing. However, based on the current trends and developments, I will provide some estimates and expectations for the approval and the launch of Bitcoin ETFs in some of the major regions in the world.

  • Europe: Europe is one of the most advanced and progressive regions in terms of cryptocurrency regulation and innovation, with several countries, such as Germany, Switzerland, and Sweden, already having approved and launched Bitcoin ETFs, and with others, such as France, Italy, and Spain, showing interest and openness towards crypto assets. Europe also has a high level of crypto adoption and awareness, with 15% of Europeans owning some form of cryptocurrency, making it the fourth most crypto-friendly region in the world, behind Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Therefore, I expect that Europe will continue to approve and launch Bitcoin ETFs in the near future, and that it will become one of the leading hubs for Bitcoin ETFs in the world.
  • Latin America: Latin America is one of the most emerging and promising regions in terms of cryptocurrency adoption and innovation, with several countries, such as Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia, being among the top adopters and users of crypto assets in the world. Latin America also has a challenging and uncertain regulatory environment for crypto assets, with different countries having different levels and degrees of regulation, supervision, and enforcement of crypto assets, and with some countries facing political and economic instability and turmoil. Therefore, I expect that Latin America will have a slow and gradual outlook for the approval and the launch of Bitcoin ETFs in the near future, with some countries, such as Brazil, being more advanced and ready to approve and launch Bitcoin ETFs, and others, such as Venezuela, being more behind and unprepared to do so.
  • Asia: Asia is one of the most dynamic and diverse regions in terms of cryptocurrency adoption and innovation, with several countries, such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, being among the top players and influencers in the global crypto market. Asia also has a high level of crypto adoption and enthusiasm. However, Asia also has a complex and inconsistent regulatory environment for crypto assets, with different countries having different views and approaches towards crypto assets, ranging from supportive and progressive, to restrictive and hostile. Therefore, I expect that Asia will have a mixed and varied outlook for the approval and the launch of Bitcoin ETFs in the near future, with some countries, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan, being more likely to approve and launch Bitcoin ETFs, and others, such as China, India, and Indonesia, being less likely to do so.

Hong Kong is another potential hub for Bitcoin ETFs in the Asia-Pacific region

Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading financial centers and is also a gateway to mainland China, which despite its crackdown on crypto activities, remains a major player and influencer in the global crypto market. Hong Kong is also a prominent country in terms of cryptocurrency adoption and innovation, with a vibrant and growing crypto ecosystem.

According to a report, 18% of Hong Kong residents are active investors of cryptocurrency, while 13% are more passive, making it the most crypto-friendly country in the world. Hong Kong also has a supportive and progressive attitude towards digital assets, with a vision to become a leading fintech and crypto hub in the region. Hong Kong’s regulatory environment for crypto assets has been somewhat unclear and inconsistent in the past, with different regulators having different views and approaches towards crypto assets. The main regulator for crypto assets in Hong Kong is the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), which oversees the securities and futures markets in the country. The SFC has issued several guidelines and statements on how crypto assets are treated under the existing laws and regulations. However, the SFC’s jurisdiction only covers crypto assets that fall under the definition of “securities” or “futures contracts”, which excludes most of the cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, that are not backed by any physical assets, rights, or obligations. Therefore, the SFC has adopted a voluntary and opt-in regulatory framework for crypto exchanges and funds that deal with non-security crypto assets, which means that they can choose to apply for a license and comply with the SFC’s rules and standards, or they can operate outside the SFC’s purview, as long as they do not offer any security crypto assets to the public.

This regulatory framework has created some challenges and uncertainties for the crypto industry and the investors in Hong Kong, as it limits the scope and the quality of the crypto products and services that are available and accessible in the country, and as it exposes them to higher risks and lower protections. However, in recent months, there have been some significant changes and developments that are pushing for a change in the regulatory relation between the SFC and the crypto industry in Hong Kong, and that are creating more favorable conditions for the approval and the launch of Bitcoin ETFs in the country. Some of these changes and developments are:

  • The pressure and the competition from the US and other approved countries, which have approved and launched Bitcoin ETFs, and which have attracted a huge amount of capital and interest from investors and traders around the world. The SFC may feel the need and the urge to catch up with the global trend and to maintain its competitiveness and relevance as a leading financial center and a crypto hub in the region.
  • The feedback and the demand from the crypto industry and the investors in Hong Kong, who have expressed their desire and their expectation for more clarity and consistency in the regulation of crypto assets, and for more access and exposure to Bitcoin and other non-security crypto assets, especially through regulated and reputable products and platforms, such as Bitcoin ETFs.
  • The innovation and the improvement in the crypto space, which have addressed some of the SFC’s concerns and issues regarding the liquidity, the volatility, the security, and the reliability of Bitcoin and other non-security crypto assets, and which have demonstrated the feasibility and the viability of Bitcoin ETFs, as evidenced by the successful performance and the popularity of Bitcoin ETFs in other markets.
  • The cooperation and the communication between the crypto industry and the regulators in Hong Kong, which have increased and enhanced in recent times, and which have fostered a more positive and constructive relationship and dialogue between the two parties, with the aim of finding a common ground and a mutual understanding on the regulation and the development of crypto assets in the country.

I believe that these changes and developments are indicative of a warming regulatory relation in Hong Kong, and that they will pave the way for the approval and the launch of Bitcoin ETFs in the country. I also believe that Hong Kong will benefit from approving Bitcoin ETFs, as it will boost its reputation and its attractiveness as a fintech and a crypto hub, attract more investors and capital to its market, and diversify its product offering and revenue streams. Therefore, I expect that Hong Kong will approve Bitcoin ETFs as early as end of the first quarter of 2024.

Conclusion

Bitcoin ETFs are more than just another investment product. They are a catalyst and a conduit for the transformation and the evolution of the global financial system, and for the adoption and the integration of Bitcoin and other crypto assets into the mainstream economy and society. Bitcoin ETFs offer a simple, convenient, and secure way for investors to access and benefit from the potential and the value of Bitcoin, without having to deal with the technical, regulatory, or operational challenges and risks of investing in Bitcoin directly. Bitcoin ETFs also bring more liquidity, efficiency, stability, and legitimacy to the Bitcoin market, by increasing the supply and demand of Bitcoin, by facilitating the trading and arbitrage of Bitcoin across different platforms and markets, by improving the price discovery and the volatility of Bitcoin, and by enhancing the reputation and the relationship of Bitcoin with the regulators and the public.

With the US joining the ranks of other approved countries, such as Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and Sweden, the big question is which region is next to see approvals and poise as a hub for Bitcoin ETFs. In this article, I have argued that Australia and Hong Kong are the most likely candidates for the next wave of Bitcoin ETF launches, based on their market size, regulatory environment, investor demand, and innovation potential. I have also provided some estimates and expectations for the approval and the launch of Bitcoin ETFs in other major regions, such as Europe, Latin America, and Asia. However, these are not the only factors that will determine the future and the fate of Bitcoin ETFs.

The crypto space is constantly changing and evolving, and new developments and innovations may emerge and disrupt the status quo and the expectations of the market and the regulators. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the trends and the signals that indicate the direction and the pace of the Bitcoin ETF movement, and to be prepared and adaptable to the opportunities and the challenges that it may bring. Bitcoin ETFs are not the end goal, but the means to an end.

The end goal is to create a more open, inclusive, and sustainable financial system, and to empower people with more choice, freedom, and value. Bitcoin ETFs are one of the ways to achieve that goal, and I believe that they will play a significant and positive role in the future of finance and society.

 

 

Source: https://www.securities.io/bitcoin-etfs-which-region-is-next-to-see-approvals-and-poise-as-a-hub-australia-hong-kong/

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”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

Understanding Abu Dhabi’s Rise as a Cryptocurrency Hub

Understanding Abu Dhabi’s Rise as a Cryptocurrency Hub

Insights

What makes Abu Dhabi a preferred destination for cryptocurrency enterprises?

As mentioned by Anndy Lian in the article, he said that Abu Dhabi's appeal to cryptocurrency enterprises stems from its comprehensive and forward-looking regulatory approach to crypto assets, a business-friendly environment, strategic geographic positioning, and a high quality of life.

What role does the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) play in the rise of Abu Dhabi as a crypto hub?

ADGM, as an international financial center, provides a regulatory framework modeled after English and Welsh common law. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) within ADGM spearheaded cryptocurrency regulation, offering clarity on various crypto activities and aligning with international standards.

How has Abu Dhabi attracted prominent crypto entities like Kraken and Paxos?

Abu Dhabi's regulatory framework and business-friendly incentives, such as a tax-friendly regime, 100% foreign ownership, and strategic geographic positioning, have attracted leading crypto entities like Kraken and Paxos to establish operations in ADGM.

What challenges does Abu Dhabi face in becoming a cryptocurrency hub, and how does it address them?

Abu Dhabi faces challenges such as crypto market volatility and competition from other jurisdictions. To address these challenges, a vigilant and adaptable approach from both crypto companies and regulators is deemed vital for fostering a resilient and thriving crypto sector.

How does Abu Dhabi compare to other jurisdictions, particularly Dubai, in terms of crypto regulations?

Comparisons between Abu Dhabi and Dubai highlight differences in regulatory perspectives, with concerns about the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai. Clear, consistent policies and resource optimization are seen as crucial for Abu Dhabi to maintain its position as a leading crypto hub amidst competitive pressures.

 

Abu Dhabi, the capital and the most expansive emirate of the United Arab Emirates, is swiftly becoming the preferred destination for cryptocurrency enterprises within the region and globally. This rise to prominence is the result of the emirates’ comprehensive and forward-looking regulatory approach to crypto assets, which has drawn industry heavyweights. Coupled with a business-friendly environment, a geographically strategic position, and a superior quality of life, Abu Dhabi presents a compelling case for investors and entrepreneurs in the cryptocurrency domain.

Central to Abu Dhabi’s distinctive appeal is the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), an international financial center and free zone established on Al Maryah Island. Inaugurated in 2013 and operational since 2015, ADGM offers an extensive suite of financial and ancillary services to both local and international firms. It boasts an autonomous legal framework modeled after English and Welsh common law and is regulated by its own Financial Services Regulatory

The FSRA has spearheaded cryptocurrency regulation in the Middle East, unveiling the region’s inaugural exhaustive regulatory framework for crypto assets in June 2018. This pioneering framework comprehensively governs the full spectrum of crypto asset activities, encompassing issuance, trading, custody, and brokerage services, while addressing the predominant risks such as money laundering, terrorism financing, consumer protection, market integrity, and technological governance. Furthermore, the FSRA provides regulatory clarity on initial coin offerings (ICOs) and stablecoins and aligns with international standards and best practices in the sector.

By understanding Abu Dhabi’s unique positioning and proactive stance, we can better comprehend its ascent as a crypto hub and its implications for the broader financial landscape.

Abu Dhabi’s crypto regulatory framework has garnered significant acclaim and attention from the crypto community. Its comprehensive rules provide clarity and confidence for crypto businesses operating within Abu Dhabi, fostering an environment ripe for innovation and growth in the sector. This flexibility is conducive to emerging technologies and business models, from decentralized exchanges to tokenization platforms and digital asset funds. Regulatory authorities have developed a symbiotic relationship with the industry, ensuring a continuous exchange of insights and support throughout the regulatory and supervisory process.

This visionary approach has led numerous prominent crypto entities to establish their operations in ADGM. Notable among them, Kraken, a preeminent crypto exchange, became the first international virtual assets exchange group in the UAE to obtain a comprehensive financial license from ADGM in 2022. Similarly, Paxos, a leading blockchain infrastructure platform, received in-principle approvals from FSRA, positioning it to innovate within ADGM’s dynamic framework.

Additionally, Copper, a distinguished crypto custody and brokerage firm, plans to inaugurate a digital securities brokerage using blockchain technology in 2024 after obtaining the necessary FSRA endorsements.

These instances underscore Abu Dhabi’s emerging prominence as the regional hub of choice for the crypto industry, with expectations for increased migration of similar firms shortly.

Moreover, Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a crypto haven extends beyond its regulatory landscape. As one of the globe’s most affluent and stable nations, boasting a GDP of $508 billion and a per capita income of $87,729, the emirate has a multifaceted economy with strengths across various sectors, including energy, aerospace, tourism, and healthcare. Home to some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth and private investment firms, Abu Dhabi is a powerhouse of capital.

Businesses in ADGM benefit from an array of incentives: a tax-friendly regime with no corporate, personal, or withholding taxes, and exemption from VAT for financial services; 100% foreign ownership with unfettered capital and profit repatriation; world-class infrastructure; strategic geographic positioning for market access across Asia, Africa, and Europe; and an advantageous time zone.

Coupled with a high quality of life, cosmopolitan culture, and a spectrum of lifestyle amenities, Abu Dhabi is an increasingly compelling choice for crypto companies seeking to broaden their international presence and leverage the burgeoning opportunities across the region and beyond.

Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a pivotal cryptocurrency hub in both the UAE and the wider MENA region is a testament to its holistic regulatory landscape and conducive business environment. The emirate’s strategic location augments its appeal, drawing leading crypto companies worldwide and nurturing a dynamic, multifaceted crypto ecosystem. Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation and its aspiration to be at the forefront of the crypto sector is evident in the progressive policies it has implemented.

However, Abu Dhabi’s ambitions are not without challenges. The crypto market is notorious for its volatility, presenting a spectrum of risks that could impact the emirate’s crypto businesses and investors. Such challenges are not unique to the country; they reflect broader uncertainties inherent in the global crypto landscape.

Competing jurisdictions vie for the attention of crypto enterprises with varying regulatory climates, potentially offering more appealing conditions. Within the region, the comparison between Abu Dhabi and Dubai often surfaces, particularly regarding the application and enforcement of crypto regulations. There are concerns that the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai may not have the necessary resources or clarity in its guidelines, underscoring the need for unequivocal and stable regulations.

These hurdles necessitate vigilant oversight and an adaptable stance from both crypto companies and regulators in Abu Dhabi. A pragmatic and balanced approach is vital to fostering a resilient and thriving crypto sector within the emirate.
Abu Dhabi’s regulatory framework, spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), is commendable for its inclusive approach to crypto asset regulation. This approach has placed Abu Dhabi on the map as an inviting destination for global crypto enterprises, and its economic landscape is equally alluring. The emirate’s diverse economy is supported by substantial investments from some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. The business environment, characterized by tax incentives, full foreign ownership, and exemplary infrastructure, is strategically poised to attract crypto companies looking to scale their operations.

Yet, to maintain its trajectory as a crypto hub, Abu Dhabi must navigate the market’s inherent unpredictability and the competitive pressures from other jurisdictions. The contrasts in regulatory perspectives between Abu Dhabi and Dubai highlight the necessity for clear, consistent policies and the optimization of resources.

For Abu Dhabi to continue its rise in the crypto domain, a strategy that embraces vigilant regulation and the flexibility to adapt to the market’s evolving dynamics is essential. Such a strategy will secure Abu Dhabi’s position as a crypto haven and cement its stature as a global leader in the digital economy.

 

 

 

Source: https://intpolicydigest.org/understanding-abu-dhabi-s-rise-as-a-cryptocurrency-hub/

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”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

Is Asia on the Way to Becoming the Next Crypto Hub?

Is Asia on the Way to Becoming the Next Crypto Hub?

Asia seems to be standing at the forefront of the global cryptocurrency landscape and is headed to become the next crypto hub, with data revealing that central and southern Asia are leading regions in digital asset adoption.

With a number of key seminars taking place in South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong, the region is moving fast in establishing itself as a key player in the decentralized finance (DeFi) industry.

How is the region trying to achieve that?

Trade Volume in Asia Surges

ChainAnalysis’ 2023 crypto adaptation index showed central and southern Asia to be leading the way in crypto adaptation, with six of the top 10 countries being located in the region.

In addition, crypto trading volumes are also on the rise in the region, fuelled by market uncertainty in the West powered by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) suing three major cryptocurrency exchanges earlier this year, it seems like most major players in the crypto space are moving East.

Anndy Lian, author of NFT: From Zero to Hero, explained:

“As US regulators sued three major crypto exchanges this year, billions of dollars of trading volumes have migrated to Asia. Investors and marketplaces are flocking to Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and more recently to Hong Kong, which introduced a new regulatory regime for crypto.”

Lian added that resilience in Asian crypto volumes is underpinned by institutional investors who view the regulatory environment in the region as less risky and more welcoming for DeFi firms.

Even though market activity has been stagnant, with global crypto adaption taking a hit, influenced by the collapse of FTX and the de-pegging of the TerraUST stablecoin, a number of lower-middle-income (LMI) category countries have been seeing a recovery in grassroots crypto adoption.

“Many of the top countries on our Global Crypto Adoption Index, from Central & Southern Asia to Africa, are in the LMI category, and taken together, LMI countries have seen the greatest recovery in grassroots crypto adoption over the last year. In fact, LMI is the only category of countries whose total grassroots adoption remains above where it was in Q3 2020, just before the most recent bull market,” research by ChainAnalysis revealed.

Asian Countries Are Embracing Cryptocurrencies

“In recent years, Asia has emerged as a hotbed for cryptocurrency innovation and adoption, sparking a growing debate over whether the continent is poised to become the next global crypto hub. With a dynamic blend of technological prowess, regulatory shifts, and a burgeoning interest in digital assets, Asia’s crypto journey is a captivating one to watch,” Rishi Vaidya, the co-founder and head of partnerships and marketing at Carbo-X Token and a recent speaker at the EDGE Global AI and Web3 Investment Summit in Hong Kong told Technopedia in an exclusive interview.

Overall, Asia has been populated with crypto events, including the Korea Blockchain Week at the start of September, Token2049 in Singapore in mid-September, and the Edge Summit in Hong Kong last week.

Token2049 has even made headlines as being the largest cryptocurrency event, sporting 300 exhibitors and 400 side events, and leading faces in the DeFi industry are drawn to the region thanks to its more lenient regulatory regime.

Singapore was the first country to agree on stablecoin regulation meanwhile, Hong Kong had decided to let retail investors trade digital assets while trading crypto in mainland China continues to stay illegal.

Karl Blomsterwall, the CEO of Planet IX and another speaker at the EDGE Summit, told Technopedia:

“Over the last couple of months, we have seen a push from Hong Kong to position itself in a favorable position to capture a larger share of the future crypto and blockchain market. It’s not surprising as the lack of regulatory clarity and commitment in other regions, such as the US, opens up for new entrants.”

Lian added that with so much uncertainty surrounding crypto regulation in the West, a number of major cryptocurrency exchanges have decided to shift their focus to the region, helping it “grow better and in a more stable manner”.

Asia to Become the Next Crypto Hub

Carbo-X Token’s Vaida, Asia’s fascination with cryptocurrencies, can be tracked to the early days of bitcoin (BTC). While the digital asset started as a speculative playground, it has managed to evolve into a more serious investment landscape, with a number of countries in the region embracing cryptocurrencies and establishing a strong foundation for several crypto businesses to flourish.

“China’s foray into the digital yuan and blockchain technology has added further weight to Asia’s crypto dominance. Asian nations have invested heavily in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency infrastructure. South Korea, for instance, has become a hotbed for blockchain startups, while Singapore is a global leader in fintech innovation. These advancements in technology are not just creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs but are also attracting international crypto giants.”

Vaida further noted that regulation will play a bigger role in determining whether Asia will manage to evolve into a crypto hub.

“Asian governments have been exploring various regulatory frameworks to balance innovation and security. Japan, known for its progressive approach, has introduced clear regulations for cryptocurrencies, instilling investor confidence.”

Lian added that Singapore’s proactive approach to regulating stablecoins has given the country a competitive edge in the crypto space, as it offered the region a clear and consistent legal framework for issuers and users of such digital assets.

He highlighted:

“By setting standards for anti-money laundering, consumer protection, and financial stability, Singapore has attracted many global players in the crypto industry, such as Binance, Coinbase, and Gemini, to set up their regional headquarters in the city-state. Singapore’s stablecoin regulation has also influenced other Asian countries, such as Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, to adopt similar measures or to collaborate with Singapore on cross-border supervision and innovation. As a result, Asia has emerged as a leading region in the crypto markets, with high levels of adoption, liquidity, and innovation.”

Increased Adoption Plays a Major Role

“One of the driving forces behind Asia’s crypto boom is the increasing adoption of digital assets. In countries like India, where a massive population lacks access to traditional banking, cryptocurrencies offer a new financial frontier. Moreover, the younger generation in Asia is more receptive to digital currencies, which bodes well for long-term adoption,” Vaida said.

Planet IX’s Blomsterwall added that the blockchain industry tends to wield much of the world’s talent and is expected to grow massively over the next couple of years. Data found Singapore has the second highest number of crypto-related jobs relative to the country’s population, with 90.86 vacancies per million people, further pushing the region as a great pool for further crypto adoption.

Vaidya added:

“Asia’s crypto ecosystem is not limited to its own borders. International investors and crypto companies are actively seeking opportunities in the region. Silicon Valley giants are eyeing partnerships and investments in Asian startups, recognizing the potential of this market.”

Challenges Remain

Even though the region pushes itself as an emerging space for the DeFi industry, challenges remain.

Vaidya mentioned regulatory uncertainties, security concerns, and the need for cross-border collaboration as some of the most critical factors many nations in the region must still consider.

Blomsterwall added:

“With the recent fraud in JPEX, however, it will be interesting to follow which stance policymakers take towards crypto – keep their current strategy or revert back to a more conservative view.”

However, led by its rapid technological innovation, growing crypto adoption, and dynamic business landscape, Asia “is undeniably on the path to shaping the future of cryptocurrencies”.

The Bottom Line

Asia’s crypto boom signifies a seismic shift in the global financial landscape, pushing the region to become a massive crypto hub in the coming years. Fuelled by regulatory clarity, technological innovation, and growing adoption, the area has emerged as the epicenter of cryptocurrency investment and innovation.

Despite challenges, Asia’s proactive approach, coupled with increasing acceptance among its populace, positions it as the driving force shaping the future of digital currencies.

 

Source: https://www.techopedia.com/is-asia-on-the-way-to-becoming-the-next-crypto-hub

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”.

www.anndy.com
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