The Rise of Asian Crypto Hubs: Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea Dominate the Market
In a significant shift within the cryptocurrency landscape, Asia is now emerging as the center of the global market, while US regulators continue to scrutinize major exchanges. As reported by Bloomberg, recent data from CryptoQuant reveals a decrease in Bitcoin trading volume during US Eastern Time, accompanied by a notable increase in Asian trading volume compared to the previous year.
Singapore, Japan, and South Korea have been identified as crucial hubs for cryptocurrency activities in Asia. Additionally, Hong Kong’s favorable policies toward cryptocurrency companies have attracted attention from both investors and exchanges. This shift towards Asia can be attributed to the increasing regulatory uncertainty in the United States, as pointed out by Jonny Caldwell, an asset management executive at Trobio Group. According to Caldwell, Asian markets have become vital hubs for digital assets, providing a more stable and accommodating regulatory environment.
The changing dynamics are further influenced by the crypto-exclusive policies upheld by China and India, two countries that collectively represent more than half of Asia’s population. Despite the negative sentiment surrounding cryptocurrencies in these nations, Asian markets are expanding, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the industry.
Chuan Jin, the Asia executive at GSR Markets, a prominent cryptocurrency market maker, emphasizes the immense potential of the Asian user base. He states, “The new user base in Asia is very large,” underscoring the substantial market demand and growth opportunities within the region.
Notably, major exchanges have adjusted their Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings in response to recent developments. Following the collapse of FTX in November of the previous year and the recent anti-cryptocurrency stance of US financial authorities, Asian-based exchanges witnessed an increase in their Bitcoin holdings, while US exchanges reduced their positions. A similar trend was observed with Ethereum holdings, signaling a significant influx of investors and heightened trading activity in Asian markets.
Matt Long, the executive director of Asia Pacific at FalconX, a prime digital asset broker, highlights the growing interest and demand for derivatives trading on digital assets in the region. Long states, “The buying and selling of derivatives on digital assets is a driver of growth, and we expect Asia to lead the way,” further reinforcing the position of Asia as the emerging center of the global cryptocurrency market.
As Asian markets solidify their dominance in the cryptocurrency landscape, various industry participants are actively seeking licenses and expanding their businesses in the region. FalconX’s Long reveals their plans to obtain a license in Singapore, demonstrating the increasing importance of Asian markets and the significant opportunities they present for market participants.
While regulatory uncertainties and restrictions persist in certain regions, Asia’s progressive approach and expanding user base continue to fuel the growth and development of the global cryptocurrency market. As the spotlight shifts eastward, market participants are positioning themselves to capitalize on the immense potential offered by Asia’s thriving digital asset ecosystem.
Read more:
- Bitcoin Supply Shift: US Holdings Decrease By 10% While Asia Takes The Lead
- Gemini Exchange Expands Into Asia-Pacific, Eyes Crypto Growth In The Region
- Asia’s Bitcoin Supply Surges To Highest Level Since 2016: Glassnode Data