This Week In Crypto Asia: Metaplanet Dominated Major Tech Stock, Kazakhstan Introduced Central Asia’s Initial Bitcoin ETF

This week has marked a significant chapter for digital currency! Bitcoin (Bitcoin) soared past $124,000 for the very first time, and with Ethereum (Ethereum) poised to challenge its previous ledger, it seems the alternative coin season may have arrived! Amidst this, considerable developments are unfolding in crypto Asia.

Here’s a summary of the key events

Metaplanet Outperformed Japan’s Leading Blue-Chip Firms

The Japanese BTC Treasury Company, Metaplanet, experienced a stock rise of 190%, surpassing some of the most prominent and liquid blue-chip companies in Japan.

As per its earnings report issued on 13 August 2025, its year-to-date (YTD) earnings significantly outstripped the average gains of the TOPIX Core 30, Japan’s main index that tracks corporate heavyweights like Toyota, Sony, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Investors, impressed by Metaplanet’s approach, surged into the company, boosting its shareholder count to over 180,000 by June 2025, a staggering 350% increase since it began its Bitcoin accumulation strategy.

Metaplanet’s 190% YTD increase dismantles Japan’s Topix Core 30 as its Bitcoin strategy delivers substantial returns. Crypto is transforming conventional markets—are you noticing? #Crypto https://t.co/5saOKAlezb

— CVJ.AI (@cvj_ai) August 14, 2025

In a previous statement, Metaplanet revealed its aim to acquire 1% of the total BTC token supply by 2027. To reach this objective, it must procure 210,000 BTC over the next two years.

To further its Bitcoin accumulation efforts, Metaplanet announced on 1 August 2025 its initiative to raise $3.7 billion through a stock offering, indicating its ongoing dedication to equity financing.

EXPLORE: 9+ Leading High-Risk, High-Reward Cryptos to Purchase in August 2025

Crypto Asia Receives a Lift With Kazakhstan’s First Spot Bitcoin ETF

On 13 August 2025, Kazakhstan unveiled Central Asia’s inaugural spot BTC ETF, a significant advancement for crypto asset in the region.

The Fonte Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (BETF) is currently being traded through the Astana-based investment firm, Fonte Capital. Unlike various futures-based offerings, the BETF is directly supported by BTC.

BitGo, a US-regulated crypto firm, is delivering custody services while ensuring secure cold storage and institutional-grade access.

This fund is listed on the Astana International Trading protocol (AIX) and is available to both retail and institutional investors, operating under the ticker BETF.

Kazakhstan has launched Central Asia’s first Bitcoin ETF.
One more step forward in BTC’s global adoption journey.

Every new market entry enhances the platform effect, and the ensuing capital movements are substantial. https://t.co/GxejWbmdm9

— Black Q-Barn (@blackqbarn) August 12, 2025

Additionally, Fonte Capital has stated that the BETF will evaluate BTC’s price performance prior to applying any fee.

“BETF aspires to accurately reflect bitcoin’s pricing dynamics, aiming to achieve this performance before fees and fund responsibilities,” said Fonte Capital.

Moreover, the ETF operates within the legal framework of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), highlighting Kazakhstan’s intention to modernise its investment landscape.

The nation is also progressing on establishing its own national crypto reserve.

EXPLORE: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Could Reach 1000x in 2025

South Korean Traders Shift from Big Tech to Crypto Stocks

Investors in South Korea are redirecting their focus away from American big tech stocks and turning towards high-risk, high-reward crypto equities.

A local announcement agency reported this on 11 August 2025, citing insights from the Korean Centre for International Finance (KCIF). The report indicated that crypto-related stocks represented 8.5% of the top 50 net purchases in South Korea in January, skyrocketing to 36.5% in June, before slipping to 31.5% in July.

Conversely, net investments in US Big Tech stocks plummeted to $260 million in July, an alarming 84% drop from the monthly average of $1.68 billion recorded from January to April.

South Korean Investors Move Away from Big Tech for the Crypto Surge!

Retail investors in South Korea are taking a daring leap! They’re swapping US Big Tech stocks for high-risk, high-reward crypto-related equities.

Did you know? Crypto-related stocks in their top 50 purchases surged from… pic.twitter.com/kSAxT64zpN

— Meow Meow Announcement (@MeowMeowMews) August 13, 2025

BitMine, the Ether stacking firm, emerged as a prominent winner amid the rising interest in crypto-linked equities in the country.

A report from Bloomberg published on 11 August 2025 noted that South Korean retail investors channeled $259 million into BitMine shares since early July, making it the country’s most sought-after overseas protection stock for the month.

In the past 30 days, BitMine has boosted its Ether holdings by 410.68%, now possessing 833,100 ETH, solidifying its status as the world’s leading Ether stacker.

EXPLORE: Top New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2025

The post This Week In Crypto Asia: Metaplanet Outperformed Big Tech Stocks, Kazakhstan Debuted Central Asia’s First Bitcoin ETF appeared first on 99Bitcoins.