Binance Exchange Plans Five More Asia Licenses as APAC Crypto Adoption Surges

Binance Exchange is planning to obtain five additional regulatory licenses in Asia this year as part of its expansion into the region's growing cryptocurrency market. SB Seker, Binance's head of Asia-Pacific, revealed this strategy during an interview with Nikkei Asia, stating that these approvals would bring the exchange's licensed operations to over 20 jurisdictions globally.

Binance Licensing Push Across Asia

Currently, Binance holds regulatory licenses in Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, and Thailand. The acquisition of local crypto exchange Gopax is expected to add South Korea to this list. Seker indicated that Binance is actively engaging with markets across Asia, with some licensing processes nearing completion while others involve ongoing discussions with regulators about the exchange's business model and compliance requirements. This licensing drive is a key component of Binance's "hyperlocalization" strategy, which aims to tailor operations to local regulations while expanding services in specific markets.

APAC Drives Global Crypto Activity

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the most rapid growth in cryptocurrency activity. Chainalysis' Global Crypto Adoption Index reported a 69% year-over-year increase in total cryptocurrency transaction volume in the region, rising from $1.4 trillion to $2.36 trillion. The 2025 Country Crypto Adoption Index also highlights the region's prominence, listing seven Asian nations—India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan—among the top 10 globally.

Potential Markets for New Licenses

While Binance has not specified the exact Asian countries targeted for new licenses, several jurisdictions are enhancing their digital asset regulations. Hong Kong has implemented a licensing system for Virtual Asset Trading Platforms, with approximately 11 licensed exchanges operating by late 2025. Japan requires exchanges to register with the Financial Services Agency, and Malaysia mandates approval from the Securities Commission along with strict compliance frameworks. Vietnam and Thailand are also in the process of developing regulatory systems for digital asset trading.

Singapore’s Position in Binance Operations

Binance withdrew its application for a retail crypto license in Singapore in 2021 due to tightened regulatory oversight and ceased direct retail services in the country. Despite this, Seker emphasized that Singapore remains significant for Binance's corporate headquarters, derivatives operations, and over-the-counter trading services. He noted that while obtaining a retail license would primarily serve the smaller spot trading segment, Binance takes every market seriously.