Lead
A new adoption survey commissioned by CoinDesk and Protocol Theory estimates that nearly 25% of adults with internet access across the Asia-Pacific region already use cryptocurrency. The report—based on 4,020 respondents spanning 10 markets—suggests that crypto’s beachhead in APAC is evolving from speculation to utility, with stablecoins, remittances, and tokenized assets leading the charge. (CoinDesk)
Key Findings
- Ownership: Approximately one quarter of connected adults in APAC hold crypto assets today, while stablecoin usage in emerging markets has reached 18%.
- Use Cases: Respondents cited remittances, cross-border commerce, and access to dollar-denominated savings as top motivators, echoing trends seen in Southeast Asia’s gig economy.
- Financial inclusion: Adoption is highest where traditional banking infrastructure is sparse, supporting the thesis that crypto fills gaps left by incumbents.
Barriers and Enablers
The authors emphasize that future growth hinges on usability more than hype. Respondents flagged convoluted onboarding, opaque fees, and inconsistent regulation as the biggest blockers to everyday use. The report highlights that regulatory tailwinds—such as Hong Kong’s licensing regime, Singapore’s stablecoin rules, and Australia’s draft token mapping—are beginning to unlock new product categories.
Published ahead of next February’s Consensus: Hong Kong conference, the report argues that “participation is now shaped by usability, integration, and inclusion rather than speculation.” Stablecoins and tokenized assets are cited as the practical cornerstones of a cross-border digital economy, provided governments deliver enabling frameworks rather than blanket bans. (CoinDesk)
Why It Matters
For builders, the numbers confirm that APAC remains crypto’s fastest-growing market. For investors, they underscore why liquidity often originates in Asian trading hours—and why macro shocks in the region reverberate globally. If one in four connected adults already touches crypto, the breakthrough moment isn’t mainstream adoption; it’s converting that usage into repeatable, regulated financial activity.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.