Binance targets 5 new Asia crypto licenses as APAC adoption surges

Binance is accelerating its regulatory expansion across Asia as cryptocurrency adoption gathers pace in the region.

The world’s largest crypto exchange is preparing to secure five additional licences across Asian markets this year, reflecting the growing importance of Asia-Pacific in the global digital asset ecosystem.

The expansion comes as crypto trading activity in APAC continues to outpace other regions.

Governments across Asia are also building clearer regulatory frameworks for digital assets, encouraging exchanges to seek formal approval before expanding services.

Binance already operates in several licensed Asian jurisdictions and is now working to deepen its regulatory footprint while exploring new opportunities in key markets.

Asia licensing expansion plans

Binance expects to obtain five additional licences across Asia this year, SB Seker, the company’s head of Asia-Pacific, said in an interview with Nikkei Asia.

Seker, who joined Binance last year, said the exchange is working with regulators in several markets but did not specify which countries are involved in the upcoming approvals.

Binance currently holds licences in India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, and Australia.

Securing additional approvals would expand its global regulatory reach to more than 20 licensed jurisdictions.

Some licensing processes are nearing completion, while discussions with authorities continue in other markets.

These talks focus on explaining Binance’s operational model and ensuring the exchange can comply with local regulatory requirements.

APAC drives global crypto growth

The licensing push highlights the rising importance of the Asia-Pacific region in the global crypto industry.

APAC has emerged as the fastest-growing region for cryptocurrency adoption, supported by strong retail participation and expanding digital asset ecosystems.

APAC surpassed both the US and Europe in retail cryptocurrency trading last year.

The trend has encouraged major exchanges to strengthen their presence in Asian markets where demand for digital asset services continues to grow.

The region’s growing influence has also prompted regulators to establish licensing regimes designed to oversee exchanges while allowing the sector to develop under clearer rules.

Singapore re-entry plans

Singapore is another market Binance is looking to reenter as part of its regional strategy.

The exchange withdrew its retail services from Singapore in 2021 after regulatory challenges.

However, Binance continues to provide institutional services in the country.

Seker said the company is exploring ways to re-enter Singapore with retail offerings, suggesting that renewed engagement with regulators could pave the way for a return.

Singapore remains one of Asia’s key financial and fintech centres, making it an important location for global crypto firms seeking regional influence.

Scrutiny over sanctions allegations

Binance’s expansion plans are unfolding while the exchange faces questions linked to alleged transactions involving sanctioned entities.

Recent reports claimed that roughly $1.7 billion in cryptocurrency flowed to Iranian entities connected to terrorist groups.

Following the reports, US Senator Richard Blumenthal launched a formal inquiry last month.

Binance has rejected the allegations.

The company also stated that it has reduced direct exposure to sanctioned markets by more than 97%.

The exchange said it has expanded its compliance infrastructure in recent years, strengthening know-your-customer procedures and building a larger compliance team to oversee regulatory requirements.