In 2025, the entire world has gone crypto crazy – except for in Asia, where they’ve been crazy about crypto for years. And not just crypto but all things blockchain: DeFi, RWAs, perps, web3 gaming. You name it, if it happens onchain, there’s a good chance that Asia dominates it.
The global blockchain landscape, once defined by Western innovation, has undergone a seismic shift. Asia has evolved into the epicenter of all things crypto-connected, commanding 60% of global digital asset trading and 48% of derivatives trading volume, much of it flowing through Huobi and BitMEX. The pendulum has shifted, moving web3 from West to East and taking a slew of blockchain businesses in its wake. With vibrant blockchain hubs from the UAE to Hong Kong taking root, Asia isn’t just participating in the blockchain revolution – it’s leading it.
Why Asia Is All In on Blockchain
Asia’s transformation into a blockchain powerhouse has been fueled by progressive government policies and clear regulatory frameworks. The penchant for crypto was already there – and now there’s the policy to ensure it flourishes while playing by the rules.
In Hong Kong, Chinese banks are being encouraged to support crypto enterprises, signaling China’s strategic preparation for digital assets through experiments with Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UAE have established fair regulatory regimes, fostering environments where crypto businesses can thrive. This regulatory clarity has reduced risk for money managers and web3 startups, making Asia an attractive destination for blockchain investments.
But none of this would have been possible if the appetite for digital assets wasn’t already there. It’s no exaggeration to say that Asians love crypto more than the citizens of any other global region: its trading activity matches that of the U.S. and Europe combined, with a particular penchant for derivatives. East Asia, especially China, favors short-term trading across diverse assets, contrasting with North America’s focus on long-term Bitcoin holdings. This approach extends to retail investors as well as institutions eager to leverage crypto for wealth storage, speculation, or powering novel decentralized projects.
Devs Devving, Investors Investing
Asia’s developer communities are unrivaled, not just in terms of numeracy but proficiency too. The likes of South Korea, Japan, and India host thriving tech hubs with diverse talent pools that do much of the heavy lifting across the omnichain landscape. From DeFi to gaming, Asia’s web3 devs dev harder and build better than arguably anyone – as an examination of the teams behind the industry’s leading protocols shows.
Of course, where there’s talent, there’s tech investors providing the funding to make it all possible. Venture capital and corporate investment in Asia’s blockchain economy are booming. The region’s robust financial infrastructure, coupled with active VC players, channels substantial capital into web3 startups and funds. This investment is fueling new use cases and user groups, accelerating the development of infrastructure to onboard users ranging from retail novices to seasoned investors.
Much of Asia’s blockchain dominance is concentrated in key hubs: Seoul, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bangalore chief among them. These tech cities combine cutting-edge financial systems with crypto-friendly regulations and large developer communities. Singapore and Hong Kong, with their crypto-supportive banking sectors, offer efficient on- and off-ramp infrastructure. Dubai and the UAE are aligning their virtual asset service provider (VASP) licensing, making it easier for blockchain businesses to focus on doing what they do best.
The real measure of Asia’s blockchain dominance lies not in the numbers that define the industry, however, but in the energy that permeates it. And this is never more evident than at the region’s leading blockchain conferences, which are unlike anything else on earth.
Asia’s Unforgettable Flagship Events
Asia’s blockchain influence is embodied by high-profile events that draw delegates from not just the entire continent, but the entire globe. Blockchain conferences are a big draw in every crypto region, but spend a few days at Korea Blockchain Week (KBW2025) in Seoul and you’ll return home with a newfound appreciation for just how big Asia is on blockchain. The caliber of the speakers at the event, which kicks off on September 22, is matched only by that of the entertainment that follows the keynotes, workshops, and fireside chats exploring the latest industry trends.
KBW2025 might be Asia’s main draw but it’s by no means its only one. TOKEN2049 in Singapore is a mecca for crypto’s most passionate advocates, from founders to pro traders, while Hong Kong’s Web3 Festival is a rising star that is a must for all blockchain builders operating in the region. Japan Blockchain Week is another calendar highlight, showcasing Asia’s latest breakthroughs in web3 innovation.
The Tail That Wags
Today, Asia is the tail that wags the blockchain industry. It’s taken time for the pieces to fall into place, but they’re finally assembled and working seamlessly. From supportive regulations to strong developer ecosystems and significant investment, the region is shaping the future of blockchain and web3. It helps, of course, that the Asian continent is already famed for its high tech literacy, making blockchain a natural fit for its digital denizens.
As Asia continues to lead, ambitious blockchain projects must roll out localized services catering for the language and idiosyncracies of this lucrative market to stay competitive. If your startup can gain traction in such crypto hotspots as Singapore and South Korea, it has an outsized chance of going the distance. Make it in Asia and you’re halfway to conquering the onchain world.
