Asia's weekly TOP10 crypto news: Japan Prioritizes Onchain Finance in National Policy, Sberbank Builds Crypto Trading Infrastructure and Top10 News

§ 01 Executive Snapshot

• What: Japan prioritizes on-chain finance in its national economic policy, while Sberbank builds crypto trading infrastructure.
• Who: Japanese government, Sberbank, South Korea’s Financial Commission, Pakistan FIA, Bank of the Philippine Islands.
• Why it matters: These developments signify a shift toward integrating blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial systems in Asia.

§ 02 Key Developments

• Japan's Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management for 2026 includes advancing on-chain finance through tokenized deposits and stablecoins.
• Japan plans to launch Bitcoin ETFs by 2028, with expectations of attracting inflows of up to 3 trillion yen.
• Daily trading volume on South Korea's major crypto exchanges has plummeted 89% year-on-year, from $2.82 billion to $305 million.

§ 03 Strategic Context

• Japan's move to incorporate on-chain finance into its economic policy reflects a broader trend of governments recognizing the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing economic efficiency.
• The establishment of dedicated regulatory frameworks in countries like South Korea and Vietnam highlights a growing acceptance and structured approach to cryptocurrency markets in Asia.

§ 04 Strategic Implications

• Immediate implications include potential market revitalization in Japan as retail investors may drive Bitcoin ETF inflows, contrasting with institutional-led trends in the US.
• Long-term implications involve increased regulatory clarity across Asia, which could foster innovation and attract institutional investments in crypto markets.

§ 05 Risks & Constraints

• Potential risks include regulatory hurdles and the need for robust infrastructure to support crypto trading and custody, particularly in markets like Russia.
• Competition from established financial institutions and the volatility of crypto markets may pose challenges for new entrants and existing players alike.

§ 06 Watchlist / Forward Signals

• Key milestones include the completion of South Korea’s Digital Assets Basic Act legislation within the year and Japan's anticipated Bitcoin ETF launch in 2028.
• The success or failure of these developments will depend on the regulatory frameworks established and the market's response to new investment vehicles like Bitcoin ETFs.