Metaplanet shares face insider backlash as SE Asia crypto funding doubles

Metaplanet shareholders are objecting to recent equity distributions for company insiders. This internal dispute occurs as the broader regional market experiences significant capital inflows. The company faces pressure to justify its governance decisions to its investor base.

Investment in Southeast Asian crypto firms doubled between 2025 and 2026. The region recorded 25 funding rounds worth $680 million in 2026. This figure marks a sharp increase from the $319 million reported in the previous year.

Singapore consolidates regional crypto dominance

Singapore has secured the top position as Asia's primary crypto hub. The city-state is home to 2,285 of the 3,957 blockchain companies in the region. It accounts for 82.5% of all tracked blockchain equity funding.

The US Justice Department seized two wallets containing about $12 million. These wallets were linked to the scam marketplace Xinbi Guarantee. Authorities also sought restraints on 47 additional wallets connected to money laundering.

Regulatory approvals expand in Asia

Gemini received a Major Payment Institution license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. This approval removes transaction-volume limits on its payment services. The exchange has served customers in Singapore since 2020.

Circle agreed to pay $400 million to acquire Tazapay. Tazapay is a Singapore-based cross-border payments company. It maintains partnerships with over 60 banks and fintechs across 100 markets.

Korea and India advance tokenization

South Korea introduced a three-phase roadmap for tokenized securities. Tokenized securities will gain legal recognition starting February 4, 2027. The plan covers stocks, bonds, and funds.

Arya.ag is testing a system to tokenize warehouse receipts for grain. The company uses a dedicated Avalanche layer-1 blockchain for this process. Each tokenized receipt represents ownership of the stored commodity.