#None #Digital Assets #Consensus #Stablecoins

The Digital Asset Boom in the Asia-Pacific Region

Recent research unveils a transformative trend in the Asia-Pacific region regarding digital asset adoption. According to the APAC Digital Asset Adoption 2025 report, approximately 24.3% of adults in this region are now utilizing digital assets, a figure that significantly outstrips the global average of just 16.9%. This surge translates to around 535 million individuals engaging with cryptocurrencies and related technologies. The insights offered in this report highlight the APAC region as a leader in digital transformation, showcasing the essential role of stablecoins and remittances in driving this growth.

The report, which surveyed more than 4,000 adults, highlights that nearly 60% of the world’s digital asset users reside in APAC, a testament to the region's pioneering approach towards digital finance. Notably, with the rise of stablecoins and the integration of digital assets into everyday financial transactions, consumer awareness and optimism regarding cryptocurrencies are among the highest globally, as illustrated by the data released by Consensus by CoinDesk.

Regulatory Clarity Fuels Growth

Regulatory developments across various APAC nations have significantly accelerated the adoption of digital assets. Countries like Thailand, the UAE, and South Korea are leading the charge, with Thailand boasting an impressive 42% adoption rate. These markets are establishing licensing regimes for virtual asset service providers (VASPs), paving the way for broader acceptance and integration of digital assets. While countries like Singapore (28%) and Hong Kong (27%) display high awareness levels, they have seen slower growth in new market entrants, suggesting a period of consolidation in these hotspots.

The driving forces behind the shift from viewing digital assets merely as investment options to essential components of financial infrastructure are remittances and a mobile-first economy. In fact, over 90% of surveyed adults indicated awareness of cryptocurrencies, and more than 50% expressed intentions to utilize them within the upcoming year, showcasing a strong demand that remains hindered primarily by accessibility issues.

Accessible Solutions and Future Trends

As digital assets become deeply embedded in the financial systems used for daily transactions, nearly 20% of adults are now reported to be using stablecoins. Strikingly, the adoption rate in emerging markets (17.8%) is approximately three times higher than that of developed economies (5.8%). Notably, Thailand leads further with 30% of its population using stablecoins, while Japan trails as the lowest at just 2%. This disparity underscores the potential that stablecoins hold in addressing cross-border payment friction and increasing financial access.

Remittances also significantly bolster stablecoin adoption, with 29% of users having integrated stablecoins into their transactions, translating into an estimated $72 billion in annualized flows. This growth is especially pronounced in areas where users encounter considerable hurdles, such as in India (58% of remittance users), Thailand (44%), and the UAE (38%). Major corridors like Singapore to China and Thailand to the Philippines have become vital routes for stablecoin transactions, revealing the practical benefits of implementing cryptocurrency solutions in these regions.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Digital Assets

Michael Lau, Chairman of Consensus, emphasized that APAC is redefining the global digital economy through innovation that prioritizes inclusion, effectively utilizing tools integrated into daily life. He stated, "This year's report encapsulates a region leading with pragmatism and purpose, where access is driving progress." With favored dialogue platforms emerging, the upcoming Consensus Hong Kong 2026 promises further exploration into industry innovations and regulatory impacts.

Participants can anticipate extensive discussions on how the evolving digital landscape does not just respond to demand but strategically addresses accessibility, leading to broader financial inclusion across the Asia-Pacific region.

As the digital asset ecosystem matures, the insights from this report signal a promising trajectory for future innovations and financial practices that can reshape the economic landscape in ways previously thought unimaginable.