Asian Crypto Roundup: Coinbase Extends Footprint, Japan Bans Insider Trading, Binance Relaunches In South Korea
The Asian crypto landscape has shifted from a slow crawl to a full fledged freight train firing on all cylinders with many countries trying to outdo each other in their crypto adoption metrics.
Investments are booming and new regulations are coming into focus as institutional inflows start creeping in.
Here’s what transpired in the Asian crypto landscape this past week
Coinbase Extends Footprint With CoinDCX Investment
On 15 October 2025, Coinbase announced a strategic investment in the Indian crypto exchange CoinDCX to expand its footprint across the country.
Although the exact financial terms were not disclosed, CoinDCX’s CEO, Sumit Gupta confirmed that the deal has pushed the company’s valuation to the tune of $2.45 billion.
Fueling the Next Phase of Growth
I am excited to share that @Coinbase has entered into an agreement to make an investment in @CoinDCX (closing subject to regulatory approvals) valuing us at $2.45B post-money.
Coinbase’s chief business officer, Shan Aggarwal said, “India and the Middle East are set to play a big role in the future of crypto – and CoinDCX is a high-growth, financially sound business built for scale at the center of the region’s massive growth opportunity.”
It has to be said however, that the deal is currently under regulatory approval.
Coinbase has backed CoinDCX since 2020 through its venture arm, Coinbase Ventures, and this latest investment seeks to deepen that partnership.
According to its transparency report, the CoinDCX currently has over 20.4 million users with a $165 billion annual transaction volume. Further, it has about $1.2 billion in assets under custody.
It’s generates roughly $141 million in annual revenues, making it one of the biggest crypto exchanges in the country.
Asian Crypto Regulation Advances As Japan Targets Insider Trading
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is expanding its regulatory framework beyond traditional finance to include insider trading in crypto.
According to an article published by Nikkei Asia on 15 October 2025, the revisions to The Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA) will give the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SESC) the authority to investigate and prosecute crypto-related insider trading.
Under the proposed framework, the nation's financial watchdog, the SESC, will be empowered to probe suspected cases and levy fines commensurate with illicit profits. #Japan#cryptohttps://t.co/0LIUswE5nP
Binance Relaunches In South Korea With Gopax Acquisition
Binance has returned to South Korea with its acquisition of Gopax, one the country’s oldest crypto exchanges after the recent regulatory changes in the country.
With the acquisition, Binance has regained access to South Korea’s regulated crypto market, bypassing the usual entry barriers. Gopax’s strong compliance record under the Financial Services Commission (FSC) is an added bonus, a local publication reported on 17 October 2025.
BINANCE BACK IN SOUTH KOREA!
Binance has reportedly completed its acquisition of local crypto exchange Gopax. pic.twitter.com/C9RXO61GA6
This move aligns with Binance’s broader Asia expansion, following its entries into Japan and Thailand.
By leveraging Gopax’s infrastructure, Binance can now offer Korean users localized services along with global liquidity while staying aligned with local regulations.
This is especially cathartic given Binance’s exit from South Korea in 2021 due to compliance issues.
Vietnam’s Credit Boom Sets Stage For New Wave Of Asian Crypto Adoption
Vietnam’s recent surge in credit expansion, driven by looser lending policies and increased consumer access to financial services has created a base for crypto to thrive in the country.
As banks and fintech platforms in Vietnam offer more flexible credit options, younger investors are using this credit to explore alternative assts including crypto.
Vietnam's SBV is pushing 20% credit growth, creating a "risk-on" environment set to fuel the digital asset market.
The country already ranks high in grassroots crypto adoption as per Chainalysis’s research. This credit boom could amplify that trend.
Furthermore, rising disposable income, mobile-first banking and growing interest rates in decentralized finance (DeFi) are coming together, making crypto more appealing and accessible.
The overall sentiment on crypto in the country is bullish, however, the regulators remain cautions.