The perfect storm: Jobs plunge, tariffs hit, and crypto volatility soars

The perfect storm: Jobs plunge, tariffs hit, and crypto volatility soars

Global risk sentiment has taken a noticeable hit recently, and it’s not hard to see why. A weaker-than-expected US ISM services PMI report for July, dropping to 50.1 from 50.8 in June, has raised eyebrows. Any reading below 50 signals contraction, and while 50.1 is just above that line, it’s a close call that suggests the services sector, a massive chunk of the US economy, is losing steam.

Firms are cutting jobs too, with the employment index plunging to 46.4, one of the lowest levels since the pandemic shook things up. This points to tepid demand and rising costs squeezing businesses, and it’s a red flag for anyone watching the broader economic picture.

Then there’s the trade situation, which feels like throwing fuel on an already flickering fire. President Trump has put out word that he’s gearing up to slap tariffs on chips and pharmaceuticals, with the latter starting small but potentially ramping up to a jaw-dropping 250 per cent down the road.

He’s also planning to hike tariffs on Indian goods substantially, and he means to do it fast, within the next 24 hours. These moves could rattle global supply chains, jack up prices for everything from tech to medicine, and sour trade ties with a big player like India. Markets hate uncertainty, and this is a textbook case of it.

The US stock markets didn’t waste time reacting. The S&P 500 dropped 0.5 per cent, the Dow Jones edged down 0.1 per cent, and the Nasdaq took a 0.7 per cent hit. Investors are clearly jittery, pulling back from riskier bets as they digest the economic slowdown signals and the tariff threats. US Treasuries, meanwhile, had a mixed day after two sessions of gains.

The 10-year yield ticked up 1.8 basis points to 4.210 per cent, while the 30-year yield slipped 1.1 basis points to 4.780 per cent. That split tells a story of its own, hinting at confusion over where interest rates and inflation might head next, especially with talk of a Federal Reserve rate cut picking up steam.

Speaking of the Fed, the US Dollar Index, or DXY, is hanging out near recent lows, closing slightly down at 98.78 after last Friday’s non-farm payrolls report. A softer dollar could give US exports a boost, but it also means imports might get pricier, which could stoke inflation just when the economy looks shaky. Gold, always a go-to when things feel uncertain, climbed 0.2 per cent, riding the wave of that weaker dollar and bets on a Fed rate cut coming soon.

On the flip side, Brent crude took a 1.3 per cent dive to US$67 a barrel, thanks to news that the Kremlin might pause air strikes to dodge Trump’s threat of secondary sanctions. That’s a geopolitical chess move that could steady oil prices or shift the conversation with the US, depending on how it plays out.

While the US markets nursed their wounds, Asian stock markets caught a second wind on Tuesday. Investors over there are feeling optimistic, pricing in a 90 per cent chance of a Fed rate cut at the September FOMC meeting. That kind of monetary easing could pump some life into global growth, and Asian markets opened higher this morning, shrugging off the gloom stateside. US equity index futures suggest a mixed open back home, so it’s clear the world’s not moving in lockstep on this one.

The crypto angle: Bitcoin, altcoins, and market mood

Now, let’s zoom in on the cryptocurrency market, where things are just as messy but with a twist of their own. Bitcoin recently slid to US$112,000, and normally, you’d expect altcoins to perk up when the big dog stumbles, maybe even kick off an altcoin season. That hasn’t happened this time. Solana’s down 9.45 per cent over the past week, XRP’s off 5.48 per cent, and Dogecoin’s taken a 10.80 per cent beating. The altcoin crowd isn’t catching a bid, and that’s got people wondering what’s up.

Over the last 30 days, Bitcoin’s dominance, its share of the total crypto market cap, has slipped by nearly 5.5 per cent. Meanwhile, Ether’s been on a tear, jumping 40 per cent. You’d think that might mean traders are diving into riskier assets, but the broader altcoin slump tells a different story. It looks more like folks are cashing out Ether’s gains rather than piling into the next big thing.

The OTHERS index, which tracks altcoins outside the top 10 by market cap, crashed 18.7 per cent in just 10 days before bouncing back a bit. That’s a clear sign of investors running from the high-risk, high-reward corners of the market, mirroring the cautious vibe globally.

Bitcoin itself is holding the spotlight, though, and not without reason. Its price just retested a key weekly uptrend line, a level that’s sparked big moves before. Back in early 2023, it broke out of a downtrend after a similar retest and shot up over 95 per cent. In 2024, it did it again, climbing 171 per cent past US$73,000.

Now, in August 2025, it’s bounced off that same ascending support, and analysts are eyeing a short-term target of US$123,300, with a longer-term goal of US$150,000. There’s even talk of an inverse head and shoulders pattern on a 2-day chart, a bullish setup that could push Bitcoin to US$170,000 if it plays out. Volume’s backing the breakout, moving averages are turning up, and the neckline at US$110,000 is holding as support. That’s a 40-50 per cent upside from where we sit, which is no small potatoes.

Adding fuel to the fire, a whale has placed a massive leveraged long bet on Bitcoin, and parabolic chart projections are floating around, hinting at another wild ride. Big bets like that can juice the market, but they also bring volatility, and a wrong move could spark liquidations. Still, the technicals are lining up for a potential rally, and history suggests this trendline retest could be the start of something big.

Piecing it together: What’s driving all this?

So, what’s the bigger picture here? The global risk retreat ties straight back to the US economy, showing cracks. The services sector slowdown and job cuts signal weaker growth ahead, and Trump’s tariff plans are stirring the pot, threatening to disrupt trade and hike costs. Stock markets in the US are feeling the heat, while Asia’s betting on a Fed lifeline to keep things humming. Gold’s up, oil’s down, and the dollar’s soft, all classic moves when uncertainty reigns.

In crypto, the story’s a bit split. Altcoins are floundering, suggesting investors are playing it safe or pocketing gains rather than chasing the next moonshot. Bitcoin, though, looks poised for a breakout, backed by solid technicals and some heavy hitters betting big. It’s a tale of two markets, caution on one side, opportunity on the other.

My take: Risks and rewards in a shaky world

Here’s where I weigh in. The US data is worrisome, no doubt, and those tariffs could make a challenging situation worse, hitting consumers and businesses alike. But the Fed’s got room to step in, and if they cut rates, it could cushion the blow and give markets a lift, especially outside the US. Asia’s already banking on that, and they might be onto something.

Crypto’s trickier. Altcoins look stuck, and I wouldn’t hold my breath for a sudden rally there. Too many folks are sitting on the sidelines or cashing out. Bitcoin’s another story. The setup feels legit, and if it breaks out, US$150,000 or even US$170,000 isn’t crazy talk. That said, the macro risks, like a deeper US slowdown or a trade war flare-up, could derail it. Leverage in the mix makes me nervous, too. Volatility cuts both ways.

For anyone playing these markets, it’s about balance. Keep an eye on the Fed, watch how those tariffs land, and don’t sleep on Bitcoin’s next move. Diversifying’s smart, there’s too much up in the air to go all-in anywhere.

 

Source: https://e27.co/the-perfect-storm-jobs-plunge-tariffs-hit-and-crypto-volatility-soars-20250806/

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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Navigating market volatility: Bitcoin Hits US$99K, US stocks rally amid trade talks and fed decisions

Navigating market volatility: Bitcoin Hits US$99K, US stocks rally amid trade talks and fed decisions

The financial markets have been a whirlwind of activity this week, with major US stock market benchmarks—the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite—navigating a volatile, choppy session to ultimately close near their session highs.

The Dow gained 284.97 points (0.70 per cent) to close at 41,113.97, the S&P 500 climbed 24.37 points (0.43 per cent) to 5,631.28, and the Nasdaq added 48.50 points (0.27 per cent) to 17,738.16. This late-session rally came amidst a barrage of high-impact catalysts that kept investors on edge: US-China trade talks slated for this weekend in Switzerland, the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady, President Trump’s plan to roll back Biden-era restrictions on artificial intelligence chips, and a steep 7.5 per cent selloff in Alphabet shares due to concerns over declining Google search volumes.

Beyond the stock market, central banks made headlines with contrasting moves—the Fed maintaining its cautious stance while the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) slashed rates to stimulate its economy.

Meanwhile, in the cryptocurrency realm, Bitcoin soared past US$99,000, inching closer to the US$100,000 milestone, while Ethereum’s much-hyped Pectra upgrade failed to ignite immediate enthusiasm. I see a market teetering between opportunity and uncertainty, shaped by geopolitical tensions, monetary policy decisions, and shifting investor sentiment.

Stock market performance and catalysts

Let’s dive into the US stock market’s rollercoaster session. The major benchmarks’ ability to close near their highs despite intraday volatility speaks to the resilience of investor confidence, albeit tempered by unease. One of the day’s biggest drivers was the surge in chipmakers, catalysed by news that the Trump administration intends to rescind Biden-era curbs on AI chip exports.

The PHLX Semiconductor Index, a barometer for the sector, rose 1.7 per cent after an earlier dip of one per cent, reflecting a late rally in stocks like Nvidia and AMD. This policy shift could unlock significant growth for the US tech sector, which has been hamstrung by restrictions aimed at limiting China’s access to advanced technology. However, the broader market’s choppiness suggests that investors remain wary of other headwinds.

The most anticipated news was the announcement that US and Chinese officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and trade negotiator Jamieson Greer, will meet in Switzerland this weekend to discuss trade. Initially, this sparked optimism that the long-standing US-China trade war might see a thaw, especially given Trump’s recent 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports.

However, Bessent quickly dampened expectations, telling Reuters that these would not be “advanced” discussions. His realism—or perhaps pessimism—echoes China’s guarded response, with a foreign ministry spokesperson citing a proverb about actions speaking louder than words.

For context, the trade war has disrupted global supply chains, driving up costs and stoking inflation fears. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon recently warned of potential product shortages if tariffs persist, a sentiment shared by many corporate leaders. From my perspective, this weekend’s talks are a critical juncture, but the lack of concrete progress signals more volatility ahead as markets grapple with uncertainty.

Another key factor was the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.25–4.50 per cent for the third consecutive meeting, aligning with market expectations. Fed Chair Jerome Powell, in remarks, acknowledged that the US economy continues to grow at a solid pace, though swings in net exports—likely tied to trade disruptions—have clouded the data.

The Fed’s statement flagged rising risks of inflation and unemployment, particularly due to Trump’s tariff policies. Powell’s cautious tone, emphasising the need for more data before signalling rate cuts, disappointed some investors hoping for dovish hints.

LSEG data suggests markets still anticipate a 25-basis-point cut by July, but the Fed’s focus on tariff-driven inflation risks complicates that outlook. I see the Fed walking a tightrope: easing too soon could fuel inflation, while holding firm might choke growth if trade tensions escalate. This limbo is likely to keep markets jittery.

Alphabet’s sharp 7.5 per cent drop added to the session’s turbulence. Reuters reported that the selloff stemmed from concerns about declining Google search volumes, a critical metric for the tech giant’s revenue. This stumble dragged down the broader tech sector, highlighting how even industry titans face scrutiny in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Juxtaposed with the chip sector’s gains, Alphabet’s woes underscore the uneven performance within tech, driven by policy shifts and competitive pressures. As a journalist, I view this as a reminder that market leaders aren’t invincible, especially as AI and other innovations challenge established business models.

Investor behaviour and corporate strategy

Investor sentiment has shifted noticeably amid these developments. Bank of America’s weekly flow data, cited by CNBC, revealed that investors yanked US$8.9 billion out of US equities last week—the largest outflow since March—while funnelling US$7.8 billion into foreign stocks. This pivot suggests growing unease about US market valuations and the potential fallout from trade wars.

At the same time, US companies are planning a record US$500 billion in stock buybacks, according to the Financial Times, as tariff uncertainty stalls capital investment. Buybacks can prop up share prices in the short term, but they also signal a defensive mindset, with firms opting to reward shareholders rather than bet on expansion in a shaky environment.

This trend reflects a broader wait-and-see approach. If trade tensions ease, those funds could shift toward growth initiatives, potentially sparking a rally. For now, though, caution reigns.

Central bank actions

On the monetary policy front, central banks offered contrasting narratives. The Fed’s decision to hold steady reflects a steady-hand approach, balancing solid US growth against inflationary pressures from tariffs. Across the Pacific, the People’s Bank of China took a more aggressive tack, cutting its seven-day reverse repo rate from 1.5 per cent to 1.4 per cent and lowering the reserve requirement ratio by 0.5 per cent effective May 15, per Bloomberg.

These moves aim to counter US tariff pressures and bolster China’s economy, which faces deflation, a property crisis, and slowing growth. The PBOC also signalled regulatory flexibility for tariff-hit firms and encouraged equity investments by insurance funds, rounding out a multi-faceted stimulus package.

China’s actions are a pragmatic response to external shocks, but their success depends on whether global trade stabilises. If US-China talks falter, this stimulus might not fully offset the tariff drag, with ripple effects for global markets.

Cryptocurrency trends

The cryptocurrency space provided a stark contrast to traditional markets, with Bitcoin surging past US$99,000 late Wednesday, hitting $99,027.83 as of 11:47 p.m. ET, per CoinDesk. This milestone in its 2025 bull run—just shy of the psychologically significant $100,000 mark—cements Bitcoin’s status as the year’s top-performing major asset.

Several factors are fuelling this rally. Institutional momentum is a big driver: BlackRock’s IBIT spot Bitcoin ETF has outpaced the SPDR Gold Trust in year-to-date inflows, while firms like Japan’s Metaplanet and US-based Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) continue aggressive BTC accumulation.

Bitcoin’s realised capitalisation has also hit a record US$890 billion, reflecting growing confidence among long-term holders. Macro tailwinds, including expectations of future Fed rate cuts, further bolster its appeal as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.

Ethereum, however, painted a different picture. Its widely anticipated Pectra upgrade, activated Wednesday, failed to spark immediate excitement. ETH rose a modest 0.96 per cent, with trading volume inching up just 0.52 per cent over 24 hours. This muted response contrasts sharply with Bitcoin’s surge, highlighting their divergent roles: Bitcoin as a store of value, Ethereum as a platform for smart contracts.

I see Bitcoin’s rally as proof of its maturation as an asset class, embraced by institutions and retail investors alike. Ethereum’s lackluster reaction suggests that its technological upgrades, while promising, need time to translate into market momentum.

My take

Stepping back, the financial landscape feels like a high-stakes chess game, with each move—whether by governments, central banks, or investors—carrying outsized implications. The US stock market’s resilience amid choppy trading reflects a tug-of-war between optimism (chip policy relief, potential trade progress) and anxiety (tariffs, inflation risks).

The Fed’s steady hand contrasts with China’s stimulus push, illustrating how global economies are responding to shared pressures in distinct ways. Investor flight from US equities and the surge in buybacks signal a defensive crouch, while Bitcoin’s ascent underscores a hunger for alternative assets in an uncertain world.

In my view, the US-China talks this weekend are the linchpin. A breakthrough could calm markets and redirect corporate funds from buybacks to investment, fueling growth. But Bessent’s tempered outlook and China’s reticence suggest a slog ahead, keeping volatility high.

The Fed’s caution makes sense given tariff-driven inflation risks, though it risks lagging if the economy softens. China’s rate cuts are a bold play, but their impact hinges on global trade dynamics. And in crypto, Bitcoin’s dominance is clear, though Ethereum’s slow burn could pay off long-term as its upgrades mature.

I’ll be watching how these threads—trade, policy, and innovation—unravel in the weeks ahead. For now, the markets are a crucible of uncertainty and opportunity, and investors are navigating it with a mix of boldness and caution that’s fascinating to witness.

 

Source: https://e27.co/navigating-market-volatility-bitcoin-hits-us99k-us-stocks-rally-amid-trade-talks-and-fed-decisions-20250508/

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”.

j j j

Wall Street’s volatility spills into crypto: TradFi’s domino effect

Wall Street’s volatility spills into crypto: TradFi’s domino effect

The recent retreat in global risk sentiment, sparked by a cascade of events that began with a disappointing outlook from retail titan Walmart. This development, coupled with a slew of economic data and policy commentary, has painted a multifaceted picture of where markets might be headed.

Let me walk you through what’s happening, why it matters, and what it could mean for investors, consumers, and the broader economic landscape.

The news broke earlier this week when Walmart, a bellwether for the US consumer economy, issued guidance that fell short of Wall Street’s expectations. The retail giant projected net sales growth of just three per cent for the current year, a figure that rattled investors who had grown accustomed to more robust forecasts from the world’s largest retailer. Walmart cited an “uncertain geopolitical landscape” as a key factor, pointing to ongoing tariff jitters and broader economic headwinds.

Shares of the company dropped over six per cent in response, dragging down the Dow Jones Industrials and sending ripples through the Consumer Discretionary sector, which shed 1.2 per cent according to the MSCI US index. Financials weren’t spared either, declining 1.6 per cent, as the broader MSCI US index slipped 0.4 per cent. This wasn’t just a Walmart story—it was a signal that investors were starting to question the resilience of the US consumer and the economy at large.

Adding fuel to these concerns, the latest US jobless claims data didn’t offer much reassurance. Both initial and continuing claims rose week-over-week, coming in slightly above what analysts had anticipated. While the uptick was modest—described by some economists as “trivial” or “just noise”—it nonetheless chipped away at the narrative of a rock-solid labor market.

For months, the US economy has been buoyed by a tight jobs picture, with unemployment hovering near historic lows. But even small cracks in that foundation can amplify worries, especially when paired with Walmart’s cautious outlook. After all, if the labor market starts to wobble, consumer spending—the engine of the US economy—could follow suit, hitting retailers like Walmart hardest.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve’s voice has added another layer of nuance to this unfolding story. St. Louis Fed President Raphael Musalem weighed in with a sobering take, arguing that monetary policy should remain “modestly restrictive” until inflation is firmly on track to hit the central bank’s two per cent target. Despite recent data showing inflation cooling somewhat and the labor market holding steady, Musalem isn’t convinced the battle is won.

He warned that the risks of inflation stalling above two per cent—or even climbing higher—are “skewed to the upside.” This hawkish stance suggests the Fed isn’t ready to pivot to rate cuts anytime soon, a prospect that’s kept markets on edge. Investors had been hoping for a more dovish signal, especially after a string of solid economic reports, but Musalem’s comments underscore the Fed’s laser focus on price stability, even if it means squeezing the economy a bit longer.

The bond market reflected this tension. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note slipped 3 basis points overnight to 4.50 per cent, a subtle but telling move. Over the past week, yields have declined in four out of five sessions, pulling back from the upper end of their recent range.

This shift hints at a market that’s recalibrating—moving away from fears of runaway inflation and toward a more neutral outlook. With tariff details still murky and the US data calendar looking light until the January PCE inflation report drops on February 28, yields might stay anchored around 4.50 per cent for now. That stability could offer a breather for equity markets, but it’s hardly a green light for a sustained rally.

On the currency front, the Japanese yen stole the spotlight, surging to its strongest level against the dollar since December. Speculation is rife that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) might hike rates sooner than expected, a move that would mark a significant shift from its long-standing ultra-loose policy.

The yen’s strength weighed on the US Dollar Index, which slid 0.8 per cent to 106.4. Gold, meanwhile, edged up 0.2per cent, inching closer to the US$3,000 mark as safe-haven demand ticked higher amid the uncertainty. Brent crude also nudged up 0.5 per cent to US$77 per barrel, buoyed by a mix of supply concerns and cautious optimism about global demand. Asian equity indices, however, were a mixed bag in early trading, reflecting the uneven sentiment rippling across markets.

Now, let’s pivot to an intriguing subplot in the financial world: the SEC’s approval of a yield-bearing stablecoin from Figure Certificate Co., dubbed YLDs. Unlike traditional stablecoins like Tether’s USDT, which generate billions in reserve income for issuers but offer no yield to holders, YLDs promise to share the wealth. By investing reserves in US Treasuries and commercial paper, Figure aims to deliver returns to investors while maintaining the stablecoin’s peg to the dollar.

The SEC’s decision to classify YLDs as “certificates” under securities regulations sets a new precedent, distinguishing them from the unregulated wild west of other crypto assets. This move could shake up the stablecoin market, offering a model that balances stability with profitability—a rare combo in the crypto space.

Speaking of crypto, the broader market is grappling with its own demons. Nearly a quarter of the top 200 cryptocurrencies have hit their lowest levels in over a year, with 24 per cent tumbling to 365-day lows after a sharp decline on February 7. Analysts are split on what this means.

Some, like Juan Pellicer from IntoTheBlock, see it as a temporary correction—a healthy shakeout after a period of exuberance. Others aren’t so sure, warning that this could signal a deeper capitulation, reminiscent of past bear markets. The debate over whether crypto is in a bull or bear cycle rages on, but one thing’s clear: sentiment is fragile, and these price drops are testing the resolve of even the most ardent believers.

So, what’s my take on all this? I see a world in flux, where optimism and caution are locked in a tug-of-war. Walmart’s warning is a red flag, no doubt—it’s hard to ignore when a company that touches millions of consumers signals trouble ahead. Pair that with rising jobless claims, and you’ve got a recipe for unease.

But I’m not ready to call it a full-blown crisis just yet. The labour market still has muscle, and the Fed’s steady hand—while frustrating for growth-hungry investors—shows a commitment to avoiding the inflationary spirals of the past. The pullback in Treasury yields and the yen’s strength suggest markets are finding a new equilibrium, not plunging into chaos.

The YLDs stablecoin experiment fascinates me—it’s a glimpse of how crypto might evolve beyond speculative mania into something more practical and regulated. As for the broader crypto downturn, I lean toward the correction camp. Markets need to breathe, and this could be a reset before the next leg up—or down.

Ultimately, we’re in a holding pattern, waiting for clearer signals on tariffs, inflation, and Fed policy. Until then, expect volatility, but don’t bet on a collapse just yet. The data’s too mixed, and the world’s too resilient, for that.

 

 

Source: https://e27.co/wall-streets-volatility-spills-into-crypto-tradfis-domino-effect-20250221/

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”.

j j j