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Cryptocurrency exchanges must educate users: Bitkub CEO

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Cryptocurrency exchanges must educate users: Bitkub CEO

BANGKOK — The cryptocurrency business has a “collective accountability” to coach traders and put together them for draw back dangers, mentioned the founding father of Thailand’s largest digital asset alternate.

The most important draw back threat would be the volatility of cryptocurrencies themselves. On Saturday the worth of Bitcoin, the world’s most traded cryptocurrency, fell under $20,000 for the primary time in 18 months as an period of free financial coverage ended.

The weekend tumble adopted a sell-off final month that despatched Bitcoin’s worth falling by 20% in 5 days. Particular person traders have been left “broke and devastated” by the crash.

“We’ve got all the time been saying to not put all their eggs in a single basket and to not borrow cash to invest. We have to get the proper monetary schooling, not simply in cryptocurrency however throughout the inventory market,” Bitkub CEO Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa mentioned of traders in an interview with Nikkei Asia.

The autumn in coin costs and a bearish inventory market won’t halt the upward trajectory of digital belongings, Topp mentioned, as banks and enterprise capital companies proceed to put money into business leaders like Bitkub. He added: “You must differentiate between a short-term shock that’s taking place out there and long-term imaginative and prescient.”

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Perception amongst cryptocurrency buying and selling pioneers like Topp could also be unshaken, however the crash final month of Terra and Luna, stablecoins pegged to the greenback, misplaced real-world cash for neophyte traders lured by the sheen of exchanges like Bitkub.

The 32-year-old Topp’s face is ubiquitous in Bangkok. His smiling picture and Bitkub’s emblem grace billboards alongside the town’s main thoroughfares and advert areas on public transportation. This personality-driven method, he mentioned, has returned multiples of Bitkub’s 200 million baht ($5.7 million) advertising price range. The alternate at the moment has 4.2 million registered customers.

“It is vital to have a soul behind the corporate. Clients can yell at you, belief you, relate to you,” Topp mentioned.

The Oxford graduate entered the digital asset business in 2014 after a profession in funding banking and bought his first cryptocurrency firm to Indonesian superapp developer Gojek. He then based Bitkub in 2018.

“We do not have 200 years of reputation-building like a monetary establishment. We’ve got solely been round for 4 years, and the way in which to realize belief is to be clear with the shopper: Who’s operating the corporate? Who’s behind the corporate? Who’re the backers?” Topp mentioned.

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His startup could quickly depend on the popularity of Thailand’s oldest financial institution, Siam Business Financial institution (SCB), whose largest shareholder is King Maha Vajiralongkorn. In November, the financial institution introduced it might purchase 51% of Bitkub’s shares in a deal price over 17.8 billion baht, a valuation that made Bitkub Thailand’s second unicorn.

Six months in the past, buying a cryptocurrency alternate may need appeared like a daring step into the longer term for SCB. As low rates of interest and nonperforming loans depress income for Thai banks, Bitkub reported a internet acquire of 5 billion baht in 2021.

“We ought to be wrapping [up] the deal in accordance with the unique timeline,” Topp mentioned.


Billboards promoting Bitkub are simple to identify on the streets of Bangkok. (Picture by Francesca Regalado)

When it introduced the deal, SCB mentioned the acquisition can be accomplished by the primary quarter of 2022. Nevertheless it has not but submitted a plan to the Financial institution of Thailand, and SCB executives skirted shareholder questions in regards to the deal on the firm’s annual common assembly in April.

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Silence from either side on the deal has led to hypothesis that SCB is utilizing a latest spate of regulatory fines in opposition to Bitkub to barter a decrease acquisition worth. In Could, the Thai Securities and Trade Fee fined the alternate and members of a committee that selects which cash are traded on Bitkub for violating necessities for digital asset listings.

“We choose cash with recognition and a transparent growth plan, making an allowance for [the] buyer’s curiosity as our important precedence,” Bitkub mentioned in an announcement to Nikkei Asia. “Furthermore, we additionally consider the cash listed on our alternate to make sure that coin growth remains to be ongoing as claimed by their developer.”

Topp shrugged off the regulatory motion because the SEC fulfilling its KPIs, or key efficiency indicators.

“Everyone seems to be doing their job. The regulators try to decrease threat and ensure issues are in place when it comes to shopper safety and monetary stability. We’re making an attempt to construct a digital infrastructure for the nation,” he mentioned.

He chalked up unfavourable publicity about Bitkub to a “communication hole” between the business, traders, policymakers and the media.

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“We’ve got a collective accountability to coach totally different stakeholders, not simply prospects. How will we get the proper knowledge level to regulators to allow them to make sound selections? How will we get the proper knowledge level to politicians to make sound coverage?” Topp mentioned.

If the take care of SCB goes by way of, it might bankroll Bitkub’s worldwide growth plans. Topp named the Philippines and Cambodia, neighboring markets the place a winner has not but emerged within the cryptocurrency alternate competitors, as preliminary targets.

“This alternate enterprise is an area monopoly sport,” mentioned Topp. “E-commerce is an area monopoly sport. Uber and Gojek needed to flee the nation as a result of they have been burning cash making an attempt to compete with Seize.”

With Bitkub at the moment reigning in its house market, Topp mentioned he welcomes competitors from Binance because it lays plans to enter Thailand by way of a three way partnership with Gulf Power. Because the world’s largest cryptocurrency alternate, Binance has turn out to be the poster baby for international regulatory scrutiny.

Binance can be competing with Bitkub not just for prospects but in addition for expertise in a good fintech labor market. Bitkub is seeking to rent 500 extra builders, however a abilities hole in Thailand has pushed it to recruit in Vietnam.

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“It will be robust for them, additionally,” Topp mentioned of Binance. “We are the tech champion within the Thai startup house and we’re those pushing the bar to date.”

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Bitcoin Retreats From Record High After Fed Cools Risk Appetite

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Bitcoin Retreats From Record High After Fed Cools Risk Appetite

Bitcoin fell for the first time in four days with speculative bets being pared across financial markets after Federal Reserve officials suggested greater caution over how quickly they can continue reducing borrowing costs.

The original cryptocurrency fell as much as 5.3% to $100,752, a day after climbing above $108,000 for the first time in what’s been a record-breaking rally this year. The seven largest digital tokens as measured by market value were all lower, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

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Navigating the Rise of Cryptocurrency in Latin America

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Navigating the Rise of Cryptocurrency in Latin America

Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America is
experiencing explosive growth, driven by a mix of factors in the area like
economic instability, financial innovation, and regulatory evolution. Countries
like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are emerging as global leaders in
cryptocurrency usage, offering a fertile ground for both individuals and
businesses to explore digital assets as practical solutions for real-world
financial challenges.

To learn more about Latin America’s rapidly
evolving crypto market, download our whitepaper, “Unlock the Potential of Latin
America’s Booming Crypto Market.”

Read the report on the Latam’s blooming cryptocurrency market.

The rising wave of crypto in Latin
America

Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America is
accelerating, fueled by inflation and currency devaluation. In Argentina, where
inflation has devastated the peso, Bitcoin and stablecoins have played an
important role in protecting savings. Around 15% of the population uses crypto
regularly, finding it a critical hedge against inflation.

In Brazil, crypto is even being integrated
into mainstream finance. The country was one of the first to approve
cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and by 2023, the value of USDT
transactions was equivalent to $55 billion, more than 80% of its crypto volume.
This makes Brazil a key player in the global crypto market.

Advertisement

Mexico has carved out a niche in crypto
remittances, with Bitso processing over $3.3 billion in cross-border payments
in 2022. Crypto is emerging as a more efficient solution for these
transactions, benefiting millions of families reliant on remittances.

Regulatory evolution driving market growth

The regulatory environment across Latin
America is evolving, creating opportunities for businesses to expand. For example,
El Salvador made history by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as
legal tender, with further initiatives like Bitcoin-backed bonds and a
government-sponsored crypto wallet. This bold experiment has positioned El
Salvador as a global trailblazer for cryptocurrency adoption, even as its
long-term effects are being evaluated.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s fintech law from 2018
recognized cryptocurrencies as virtual assets, establishing a clear regulatory
pathway for businesses. This clarity has helped companies like Bitso thrive. Meanwhile,
Colombia’s regulatory sandbox has promoted crypto experimentation in a
controlled environment, attracting fintechs and positioning the country as a
future hub for innovation.

Argentina, while still working on a
comprehensive regulatory framework, has seen increased interest in crypto
regulation under its new pro-crypto government. Colombia’s sandbox model is
providing fintechs with a controlled environment to test their offerings,
positioning the country as an emerging leader in the digital asset space as
well.

Emerging opportunities

Despite infrastructure and regulatory
challenges, Latin America offers immense opportunities for crypto growth.
Argentina and Venezuela, with their hyperinflationary economies, continue to
see widespread crypto adoption as citizens seek alternatives to their unstable
currencies. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC can help individuals and businesses
in these countries by providing greater financial stability.

Advertisement

Mexico’s growing role in crypto remittances
and Colombia’s fintech-friendly environment highlight the region’s potential
for further expansion. Tokenization is another area of growth, with Brazil’s
agricultural commodity token project, Agrotoken, revolutionizing access to
credit for small farmers. Brazil’s Drex initiative also highlights the
country’s commitment to developing a fully digital economy and integrating
blockchain technology into mainstream financial systems.

Latin America’s complex economic landscape,
combined with its openness to crypto solutions, makes it an exciting market for
businesses seeking to leverage digital assets. By addressing regulatory and
payment infrastructure challenges, companies can unlock the full potential of
this rapidly evolving crypto market.

The role of payment solutions in this evolving
market

Cross-border payments and regulatory
complexities are significant hurdles for businesses expanding into the Latin
American crypto market. The region’s rising demand for remittances, along with
fragmented payment infrastructures, means businesses must navigate
multi-currency transactions. Additionally, evolving regulatory landscapes
require businesses to stay compliant while managing operational risks.

Paysafe addresses these challenges by
offering solutions that streamline cross-border payments, supporting multiple
currencies and reducing transaction costs. With strong integration into key
local systems, Paysafe helps businesses deliver the seamless payment options
customers expect.

Furthermore, Paysafe’s regulatory expertise
ensures businesses remain compliant across diverse markets, while its advanced
security features protect against fraud, providing businesses with the trust
and reliability they need to thrive in the region’s fast-growing crypto
ecosystem.

Advertisement

Conclusion

Latin America is a prime market for
cryptocurrency adoption and its growth shows no sign of slowing down. From the
pioneering efforts of El Salvador to the sophisticated regulatory framework in
Brazil, the region offers diverse use cases for businesses looking to enter or
expand their crypto operations. Our whitepaper highlights that despite
challenges like regulatory fragmentation and cultural nuances, Latin America
presents tremendous opportunities for growth.

For more detailed insights and strategies,
download our whitepaper, “Unlock the Potential of Latin America’s Booming
Crypto Market.”

Read the report on the Latam’s blooming cryptocurrency market.

By leveraging Paysafe’s comprehensive
payment solutions, businesses can seamlessly navigate the complexities of the Latin
American crypto landscape, unlocking the full potential of one of the world’s
fastest-growing markets.

Disclaimer:

This article is not intended to be
financial, investment or trading advice. This article is for information and
solely for education purposes. It does not protect against any financial loss,
risk or fraud.

Advertisement

Why Paysafe

Paysafe supports Latin American businesses
with over 25 years of experience, offering top-tier fraud, risk, and compliance
support. Their solutions streamline cross-border payments, support multiple
currencies, and reduce transaction costs, enabling confident expansion in the
crypto market.

Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America is
experiencing explosive growth, driven by a mix of factors in the area like
economic instability, financial innovation, and regulatory evolution. Countries
like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are emerging as global leaders in
cryptocurrency usage, offering a fertile ground for both individuals and
businesses to explore digital assets as practical solutions for real-world
financial challenges.

To learn more about Latin America’s rapidly
evolving crypto market, download our whitepaper, “Unlock the Potential of Latin
America’s Booming Crypto Market.”

Read the report on the Latam’s blooming cryptocurrency market.

The rising wave of crypto in Latin
America

Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America is
accelerating, fueled by inflation and currency devaluation. In Argentina, where
inflation has devastated the peso, Bitcoin and stablecoins have played an
important role in protecting savings. Around 15% of the population uses crypto
regularly, finding it a critical hedge against inflation.

Advertisement

In Brazil, crypto is even being integrated
into mainstream finance. The country was one of the first to approve
cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and by 2023, the value of USDT
transactions was equivalent to $55 billion, more than 80% of its crypto volume.
This makes Brazil a key player in the global crypto market.

Mexico has carved out a niche in crypto
remittances, with Bitso processing over $3.3 billion in cross-border payments
in 2022. Crypto is emerging as a more efficient solution for these
transactions, benefiting millions of families reliant on remittances.

Regulatory evolution driving market growth

The regulatory environment across Latin
America is evolving, creating opportunities for businesses to expand. For example,
El Salvador made history by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as
legal tender, with further initiatives like Bitcoin-backed bonds and a
government-sponsored crypto wallet. This bold experiment has positioned El
Salvador as a global trailblazer for cryptocurrency adoption, even as its
long-term effects are being evaluated.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s fintech law from 2018
recognized cryptocurrencies as virtual assets, establishing a clear regulatory
pathway for businesses. This clarity has helped companies like Bitso thrive. Meanwhile,
Colombia’s regulatory sandbox has promoted crypto experimentation in a
controlled environment, attracting fintechs and positioning the country as a
future hub for innovation.

Argentina, while still working on a
comprehensive regulatory framework, has seen increased interest in crypto
regulation under its new pro-crypto government. Colombia’s sandbox model is
providing fintechs with a controlled environment to test their offerings,
positioning the country as an emerging leader in the digital asset space as
well.

Advertisement

Emerging opportunities

Despite infrastructure and regulatory
challenges, Latin America offers immense opportunities for crypto growth.
Argentina and Venezuela, with their hyperinflationary economies, continue to
see widespread crypto adoption as citizens seek alternatives to their unstable
currencies. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC can help individuals and businesses
in these countries by providing greater financial stability.

Mexico’s growing role in crypto remittances
and Colombia’s fintech-friendly environment highlight the region’s potential
for further expansion. Tokenization is another area of growth, with Brazil’s
agricultural commodity token project, Agrotoken, revolutionizing access to
credit for small farmers. Brazil’s Drex initiative also highlights the
country’s commitment to developing a fully digital economy and integrating
blockchain technology into mainstream financial systems.

Latin America’s complex economic landscape,
combined with its openness to crypto solutions, makes it an exciting market for
businesses seeking to leverage digital assets. By addressing regulatory and
payment infrastructure challenges, companies can unlock the full potential of
this rapidly evolving crypto market.

The role of payment solutions in this evolving
market

Cross-border payments and regulatory
complexities are significant hurdles for businesses expanding into the Latin
American crypto market. The region’s rising demand for remittances, along with
fragmented payment infrastructures, means businesses must navigate
multi-currency transactions. Additionally, evolving regulatory landscapes
require businesses to stay compliant while managing operational risks.

Paysafe addresses these challenges by
offering solutions that streamline cross-border payments, supporting multiple
currencies and reducing transaction costs. With strong integration into key
local systems, Paysafe helps businesses deliver the seamless payment options
customers expect.

Advertisement

Furthermore, Paysafe’s regulatory expertise
ensures businesses remain compliant across diverse markets, while its advanced
security features protect against fraud, providing businesses with the trust
and reliability they need to thrive in the region’s fast-growing crypto
ecosystem.

Conclusion

Latin America is a prime market for
cryptocurrency adoption and its growth shows no sign of slowing down. From the
pioneering efforts of El Salvador to the sophisticated regulatory framework in
Brazil, the region offers diverse use cases for businesses looking to enter or
expand their crypto operations. Our whitepaper highlights that despite
challenges like regulatory fragmentation and cultural nuances, Latin America
presents tremendous opportunities for growth.

For more detailed insights and strategies,
download our whitepaper, “Unlock the Potential of Latin America’s Booming
Crypto Market.”

Read the report on the Latam’s blooming cryptocurrency market.

By leveraging Paysafe’s comprehensive
payment solutions, businesses can seamlessly navigate the complexities of the Latin
American crypto landscape, unlocking the full potential of one of the world’s
fastest-growing markets.

Advertisement

Disclaimer:

This article is not intended to be
financial, investment or trading advice. This article is for information and
solely for education purposes. It does not protect against any financial loss,
risk or fraud.

Why Paysafe

Paysafe supports Latin American businesses
with over 25 years of experience, offering top-tier fraud, risk, and compliance
support. Their solutions streamline cross-border payments, support multiple
currencies, and reduce transaction costs, enabling confident expansion in the
crypto market.

Continue Reading

Crypto

Focus: As bitcoin soars, luxury brands consider accepting crypto payments

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Focus: As bitcoin soars, luxury brands consider accepting crypto payments
Bitcoin’s soaring value has caught the attention of high-end fashion brands and retailers, prompting further interest in offering cryptocurrencies as a means of payment to tap in to fresh pockets of wealth and build loyalty with crypto investors.
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