This Week In Crypto Asia: India Advances CBDC, China Invests in AI, Japan Anticipates Payments Surge
In this week’s Crypto Asia Announcement roundup, we explore the swift evolution of Asia’s crypto asset environment. State-supported innovation is escalating, strategic collaborations are forming, and institutional momentum is increasing. From central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to artificial intelligence-driven platforms and payment integrations, fresh developments occur daily.
Here are the key highlights from this week.
Crypto Update Asia: India Strengthens Commitment to CBDCs
India is reinforcing its CBDC initiative while maintaining a stringent position against private cryptocurrencies.
As per a local update outlet, Union Minister Piyush Goyal has declared that the Indian government will escalate its actions regarding the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Digital Rupee. He mentioned advantages such as quicker transactions, diminished paper usage, and improved traceability as reasons for the government’s focus on CBDCs in the nation.
RBI Introduced Offline Digital Rupees
• No Internet Required
• No Telecom Connection RequiredUsers Can Make Payments via CBDC With a Simple Tap
This Will Be More Economical and Quicker Than UPI
It Represents The Largest Payment Revolution in India
— Ravisutanjani (@Ravisutanjani) October 9, 2025
The CBDC pilot initiated in late 2022 in India and is viewed as a means to modernize payment systems without resorting to decentralized crypto assets.
Goyal reiterated that while private cryptocurrencies are not prohibited in the nation, they will face substantial taxation to deter their use.
At the same time, this is in line with India’s wider strategy to avoid legitimizing cryptocurrencies through crypto law. A September government document referenced by Reuters highlighted that regulating cryptocurrencies would suggest formal recognition, which India seeks to evade.
BREAKING
India
Crypto asset & stablecoins were omitted from the agenda, shifting focus to CBDC, tokenization, and regulated fintech.
Source: Reuters pic.twitter.com/7XfIoJOY49
— Karan Singh Arora (@thisisksa) October 10, 2025
Despite some challenges, India continues to be a frontrunner in cryptocurrency adoption, leading Chainalysis’s index for the second consecutive year.
Additionally, India excels in retail, institutional, and DeFi activities throughout the Asia-Pacific area, highlighting the gap between grassroots crypto enthusiasm and official stance.
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China Raises $11.1 Million To Develop A Crypto-AI Investment Network
China Financial Leasing Group, listed in Hong Kong, is making strides into the digital asset arena. The leasing organization announced a $11.1 million share issue to base level the establishment of a Crypto-AI Investment protocol.
Funding for this project will come from Innoval Capital, a firm based in the British Virgin Islands. Moore Xin Jin, CEO of Nasdaq-listed Antalpha Protocol Holding Company, will spearhead the endeavor.
The company is placing shares at HK$1.25 to Innoval Capital, with the majority of funds designated for Web3 and AI investments.
The remainder will cover general operations. pic.twitter.com/Knv5osCR6l
— The Crypto Times (@CryptoTimes_io) October 6, 2025
The protocol will focus on investing in digital assets such as stablecoins, BTC, ETH, RWAs, NFTs, DeFi, and DePIN. Additionally, it plans to integrate AI-enhanced asset management tools.
This initiative directly aligns with Hong Kong’s June 2025 policy statement that advocates for digital asset innovation and aims for a unified push to become Asia’s crypto capital.
ASIA IS PREPARING
— BitcoinConfAsia (@BitcoinConfAsia) June 26, 2025
According to a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange dated October 5, 2025, the project will result in Innoval Capital obtaining 69.38 million new shares at HK$1.25 each, constituting 20% of the current share capital and 16.7% of the post-placement total.
China Financial Leasing Group’s stock rose over 25% following this announcement, indicating a robust trading market response to its shift towards distributed database and AI.
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Bybit Achieves UAE’s Pioneering Virtual Asset License From SCA
The digital currency trading protocol, Bybit has obtained a complete operational license from the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), making it the first trading platform to secure such a license.
With the license acquired, Bybit can now provide its virtual asset services nationwide.
This license follows Bybit’s previous initial approval (IPA) from the SCA in February 2025, supported by Abu Dhabi’s Blockchain Center to navigate the country’s regulations.
Bybit Secures UAE’s First Virtual Asset Network Operator License from Securities and Commodities Authority
Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, stated: “Obtaining the full Virtual Asset Protocol Operator License from the SCA is a testament to Bybit’s unwavering dedication to… pic.twitter.com/IH5p3GbODz
— Bybit (@Bybit_Official) October 9, 2025
Consequently, Bybit will now be able to offer brokerage, custody, and trading services for digital assets within the UAE’s federal regulatory framework.
Ben Zhou, the CEO of Bybit, remarked, “Receiving the complete Virtual Asset Network Operator License from the SCA showcases Bybit’s steadfast resolve to foster trust through compliance and transparency.”
The exchange has already set its headquarters in Dubai’s DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), and this license solidifies its role in the region’s dynamic crypto landscape.
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Crypto News Asia: PAYPAY Purchases 40% Of Binance Japan To Propel Cashless Transactions
Japanese mobile payment powerhouse, PayPay, supported by SoftBank, has acquired a 40% stake in Binance Japan to facilitate the incorporation of crypto into mainstream digital transactions.
The objective is to merge PayPay’s extensive user base of over 60 million with Binance Japan’s digital currency framework to boost crypto adoption in Japan’s retail and finance sectors.
Softbank & PayPay invests 40% in Binance Japanhttps://t.co/To6pnzeTfm
— CZ
The collaboration, revealed on October 9, 2025, will focus on creating crypto payment solutions, broadening access to digital assets, and utilizing Binance’s global expertise in regulation and trading.
Japan’s digital payments landscape is evolving — and this time, it’s backed by robust infrastructure.
An integrated stack is quietly coming together:
Binance → PayPay → Netstars → $NETXOn the surface, the developments are straightforward:
In October, PayPay, Japan’s leading QR payment… pic.twitter.com/yxdqmpkXD2— NetX Oracle (@NetXOracle) October 9, 2025
This also corresponds with Japan’s greater effort to establish itself as a regional digital currency frontrunner, particularly as institutional interest and regulatory clarity begin to improve.
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Key Takeaways
- India accelerates CBDC efforts while imposing high taxes on private cryptocurrencies
- China Financial Leasing secures $11M to establish a Crypto-AI investment network
- PayPay acquires 40% of Binance Japan to promote crypto transactions across Japan
The post This Week In Crypto Asia: India Advances CBDC, China Invests in AI, Japan Pursues Payment Boom appeared first on 99Bitcoins.
