Inside APAC’s Crypto Movement: Alistair Rennie Joins CoinDesk Webinar to Unpack Key Insights

January 17, 2025 – Crypto adoption in APAC is accelerating faster than anywhere else in the world—but not for the reasons many expect. While industry narratives often focus on institutional investment, regulation, or technology, APAC’s adoption is fueled by a deep belief in the future of crypto and its role in everyday finance.

This was the focus of a recent CoinDesk webinar featuring Alistair Rennie, Protocol Theory’s Head of Innovation & Global Thought Leadership, where he discussed insights from our latest research collaboration with CoinDesk—"Driven by Demand: The People-Powered Crypto Revolution in APAC."

The webinar, held ahead of Consensus Hong Kong 2025, explored why APAC’s crypto boom is distinct, how emerging markets are leading the way, and why adoption is set for significant future growth.

Key takeaways from the webinar

Crypto Adoption in APAC is a People-Powered Movement

With 22% of APAC consumers already using crypto—three times the global average—adoption isn’t being driven by policy shifts or big institutional moves. Instead, it’s being fueled by conviction:

• 61% of respondents believe crypto will play a significant role in global finance.
• 50% cite belief in crypto’s long-term investment potential as their primary motivator.
• 41% see crypto as a future tool for everyday payments.

Emerging Markets, Not Traditional Hubs, Are Leading Adoption

While cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo dominate industry conversations, the most active adoption is happening in India, the Philippines, and Thailand—markets where financial inclusion, alternative payment systems, and digital-first economies are driving demand.

Unmet Demand Signals Massive Growth Potential

As Alistair Rennie noted during the webinar:

“The amount of people who want crypto—who are actively or passively interested in it—far exceeds the amount of people who currently have it. So even though adoption is very healthy in APAC, it’s poised for some really significant growth.”

This gap between interest and adoption suggests that Web3 builders should focus on removing friction—streamlining onboarding, improving UX, and addressing consumer trust concerns—to unlock the next wave of growth.

Regulation is NOT the Primary Driver of Adoption

A key finding from the research is that regulation plays a secondary role in adoption decisions. Even in markets with uncertain or unfavorable policies, people are still adopting crypto based on its perceived future utility. Belief—not regulation—is the deciding factor.

What this means for Web3 businesses

APAC presents a huge opportunity for crypto and Web3 companies, but traditional adoption playbooks won’t work. Institutional backing and regulatory clarity alone aren’t enough—companies need to understand what truly drives consumer adoption.

At Protocol Theory, we specialize in providing data-driven consumer insights to help Web3 businesses navigate these complex markets, equipping brands with the evidence-based insights they need to scale successfully. For companies looking to remove adoption barriers and accelerate growth, we’d love to help.◼️

Download the full report here.

Watch the full webinar here.