Written by Andrew Fentonstaff editorReviewed by Andrew Fentonstaff editor

Written by Andrew Fentonstaff editor

Reviewed by Andrew Fentonstaff editor

Thai scammer’s $122M wallet, Japan embraces crypto credit: Asia Express

FeaturesPublishedJul 14, 2026

Asia Embraces Crypto and Blockchain Technology

From Japan to Thailand, Asia is witnessing a significant surge in the adoption of crypto and blockchain technology. A recent development in Japan has seen the emergence of Bitcoin-backed mortgages and stablecoin yield, with major companies like Hyundai experimenting with Avalanche for global stablecoin transfers. Meanwhile, a Thai scammer’s crypto wallet was found to have processed over $122 million in just 10 months, highlighting the need for increased regulation and security in the industry.

Interpol operation exposes $122M crypto wallet tied to romance scam laundering

The use of crypto and blockchain technology is not limited to finance; it also has the potential to revolutionize the way we earn and manage our wealth. With the rise of platforms like EcoPool, individuals can now earn passive income through cloud rewards and green crypto, providing a new avenue for financial growth. The concept of #PassiveIncome is becoming increasingly popular, and EcoPool is at the forefront of this movement, offering users a chance to earn $ECP and other rewards.

Crypto Scams and Regulation

A recent Interpol operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the uncovering of a money-laundering network that funneled proceeds from romance scams into cryptocurrencies. The operation highlights the need for increased regulation and security in the crypto industry. In response, authorities are implementing stricter measures, such as phishing-resistant authentication methods, to prevent such scams. The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission has issued new requirements for virtual asset trading platforms, including stronger authentication methods and device binding.

The EcoPool platform is committed to providing a secure and regulated environment for its users, ensuring that they can earn and manage their wealth with confidence. With its focus on green crypto and cloud rewards, EcoPool is an attractive option for those looking to earn passive income and be part of the #GreenCrypto movement.

crypto Adoption in Japan

Japan is leading the way in crypto adoption, with companies like CRYL launching Bitcoin-backed loans and SBI VC Trade introducing a Japanese yen-denominated stablecoin lending service. The country’s government is also supportive of crypto, with plans to launch crypto ETFs and provide a framework for crypto regulation. The use of crypto and blockchain technology is becoming increasingly mainstream, with even convenience stores like Lawson planning to test yen-denominated stablecoin payments.

EcoPool is proud to be a part of this growing movement, offering its users a chance to earn $ECP and other rewards through its platform. With its focus on passive income and green crypto, EcoPool is an ideal choice for those looking to be part of the #Earning and #CloudRewards revolution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the adoption of crypto and blockchain technology is on the rise in Asia, with Japan leading the way. The emergence of platforms like EcoPool is providing new opportunities for individuals to earn passive income and be part of the green crypto movement. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to prioritize regulation and security to prevent scams and ensure a safe and secure environment for all users. Download the EcoPool app to start earning $ECP and other rewards today and be part of the #EcoPool community. The EcoPool app is available for download, providing users with a convenient and secure way to manage their wealth and earn passive income.

Hyundai completes USDT treasury settlement pilot between US and Mexico

Hyundai Motor’s US and Mexican units completed a pilot cross-border treasury transfer using Tether’s USDT stablecoin, settling a $20,000 payment in about seven minutes on the Avalanche blockchain.

Hyundai Motor America converted the funds into USDT, transferred the stablecoin to Hyundai Motor Mexico and converted it back into US dollars. The transfer and verification process took about seven minutes, compared with three to four hours or more for a traditional cross-border bank transfer.

Tether said the pilot used Axiym’s settlement infrastructure, while Hyundai Card designed the remittance structure and oversaw the regulatory, compliance, accounting and operational requirements needed to support the proof of concept.

Japan’s SBI to launch yen stablecoin lending with 3% yield

Tokyo-based SBI VC Trade will begin accepting applications Thursday for a Japanese yen-denominated stablecoin lending service offering an initial annualized rate of 3% on JPYSC lent for 12 weeks.

Customers will lend JPYSC to the SBI Holdings subsidiary from Thursday and receive the tokens back with a lending fee at maturity, the company said in a Monday press release. At the advertised rate, the gross return over the 12-week term would be about 0.69%, before tax.

The company said the product pays more than the 0.325% to 1% annual rate SBI cited for ordinary yen deposits. Still, it is not a bank deposit, is not covered by deposit insurance and generally cannot be canceled early.

Japanese lender launches Bitcoin-backed loans of up to $6.2M

Japanese lender CRYL has launched Bitcoin-backed loans of up to 1 billion yen ($6.2 million), allowing individuals and businesses to raise fiat currency without selling their BTC. 

On Thursday, the company announced that borrowers can access between $6,200 and $6.2 million at annual rates of 3.5% to 7%. The loans carry collateral ratios of 40% to 60%. They run for one year and can be used for expenses, including taxes, business funding and property purchases.

The launch expands Japan’s small market for regulated crypto-backed financing. In 2020, Fintertech, a Daiwa Securities Group and Credit Saison joint venture, launched a similar service and currently lends up to $3 million against Bitcoin or Ether. However, CRYL’s service advertises a higher ceiling and a lower minimum, while limiting collateral to BTC. 

Metaplanet explores Bitcoin-backed digital credit with JPYC in Japan

Japanese Bitcoin treasury company Metaplanet has teamed up with stablecoin issuer JPYC and tokenization infrastructure provider Progmat to study Bitcoin-backed digital credit products in Japan.

The investigation will examine whether Bitcoin can be used as collateral or credit enhancement for digital corporate bonds and other credit instruments, with 24/7 accessibility, settlement and daily interest accrual for holders, issued on the blockchain ledger. No product has been launched yet as part of the experiment.

The news suggests Metaplanet is looking beyond its role as a Bitcoin treasury company and testing how Bitcoin could be used as a productive balance sheet asset.

Digital credit instruments have been an important part of Strategy’s playbook. The world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder has relied on “digital credit” instruments such as the STRC preferred stock as a primary vehicle for raising capital to acquire more Bitcoin. 

Joint Study in the Digital Credit Domain Utilizing Bitcoin, JPYC, and Security Tokens. Source: Metaplanet 

Japan stablecoin payments advance with Lawson trial, Netstars launch

Japanese convenience-store operator Lawson plans to test yen-denominated stablecoin payments at a Tokyo location in August, examining whether stablecoin payments can work inside a standard convenience store checkout flow.

On Monday, blockchain company HashPort said it had signed an agreement to conduct the trial at the Lawson Takanawa Gateway City store. Participants will use HashPort’s non-custodial wallet, while the store will process payments through the company’s point-of-sale system without needing to open or manage crypto wallets. 

The pilot aims to explore how stablecoin payments can be integrated into Japan’s existing retail infrastructure while shielding merchants from much of the operational complexity associated with accepting digital assets.

Bitdeer stock jumps 14% as company expands US mining hardware production

Bitdeer shares rallied after the company announced a $36 million Nevada manufacturing facility that will produce its SEALMINER Bitcoin mining machines and expand its hardware business.

The gains for the Singapore-based miner followed Bitdeer’s announcement that it will build a manufacturing facility in Sparks, Nevada. It will produce key mining hardware components, with commercial production expected to begin by the end of the year.

Bitdeer Technologies Group (BTDR) stock. Source: Yahoo Finance

Hong Kong regulator orders new anti-phishing measures for crypto platforms

The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) on Thursday issued new requirements for phishing-resistant authentication methods for virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) and online brokers in the special administrative region.

The new standards require stronger phishing-resistant authentication methods and device binding while prohibiting the use of one-time passwords through SMS, email or app-based logins. Platforms must implement the changes within the next 12 months.

Bank of Korea stands firm on bank-led stablecoin push as deposit token pilots advance

The Bank of Korea (BOK) has doubled down on its stance that won-denominated stablecoins should first be issued through bank-led consortiums.

According to local reports from Digital Asset and EDaily, the BOK also called for new safeguards including a statutory policy body involving relevant agencies to oversee the sector.

The latest comments reinforce the BOK’s months-long push to keep won stablecoin issuance under bank-led structures. The central bank’s stance has divided policymakers and industry groups and contributed to delays in South Korea’s digital asset bill.

Regulators invited Binance to seek new licenses after MiCA setback, co-CEO says

Binance co-CEO Richard Teng says some regulators have invited the exchange to apply for crypto licenses after it failed to secure permission to operate in Europe.

Teng said the discussions are still “premature” and declined to identify the jurisdictions. 

MiCA created a single licensing framework for crypto firms across the European Union, with non licensed firms unable to operate in the block after July 1. Binance withdrew its application for a MiCA license in Greece on June 24, after report that Greek regulators were planning on knocking it back.

“It caught us by surprise because we submitted a fully compliant application. The regulators told us as much,” Teng said.

“We are not quite sure why the approval kept being delayed. We withdrew the application because otherwise our users would have faced a very short transition period,” he added.

Richard Teng. Source: Binance

Asia crypto news in brief

Temasek says no to crypto
Singapore sovereign wealth fund Temasek is still smarting from having to write down $275 million on its FTX investment. Its Global Investment Head said this week that crypto remains “off the table” for now, though it’s still keeping an eye on developments in the blockchain sector.  

HSBC’s blockchain note
HSBC and Marketnode teamed up to complete the private placement of a “digitally native” USD denominated note issued on blockchain in Hong Kong.

Japan’s crypto ETFs and credit
The Japanese government remains on track to launch crypto ETFs in the country, following recent legislative amendments to the Financial Instruments and Exchanges Act

SBI Solana Global
Japanese asset manager SBI Holdings has teamed up with the Solana Foundation to launch a new division called SBI Solana Global, focused on stablecoins, international payments and RWAs.

India crypto ban looms
The Reserve Bank of India said it is “leaning” towards a total prohibition on crypto and has  recommended that legislators prevent banks and financial institutions from getting involved in the sector. 

Thailand stablecoin audits
The Bank of Thailand and the Thai SEC are using blockchain analytics tools to investigate suspicious high-volume stablecoin transactions, with a particular focus on USDT.

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• Asia
• Japan
• Stablecoin
• Loans
• Bitcoin

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