
Crypto Developments in Asia: Metaplanet's Major Move and Security Concerns
This week in Asia's cryptocurrency landscape showcases major firm acquisitions and rising security threats.
Recent developments depict a complicated landscape for cryptocurrencies in Asia, where established companies are investing heavily in regulated digital assets while law enforcement is struggling with rising cases of wrench attacks and misuse of cryptocurrencies.
Metaplanet Acquired South Korea’s SGA To Strengthen Its Bitcoin Strategy
The Japanese firm Metaplanet has purchased a controlling interest in the publicly listed South Korean software company, SGA. This acquisition will enable SGA to incorporate Bitcoin into its broader digital strategy.
According to a report dated July 15, 2025, Metaplanet’s CEO, Simon Gerovich, has partnered with several financial entities including Moon Inc. and Kliff Capital to enhance its Bitcoin acquisition strategies within Asia.
“METAPLANE’T BUYS INTO SGA: STRATEGIC PLAY” Japanese firm Metaplanet invests $25M in SGA as part of their strategy to blend traditional tech with cryptocurrency. — BlueAsterCapital (@BluAsterCapital) July 14, 2025
This move aligns with Metaplanet’s strategy to convert traditional enterprises into Bitcoin-centric companies, thereby creating vehicles for Bitcoin investment in local markets.
While the SGA board and Korea’s Financial Services Commission have approved the issuance of 58 million shares, final agreements are pending.
Crypto In Asia Faces Security Crisis As Wrench Attacks And Bitcoin Thefts Rise
A report from Chainalysis published on July 17, 2025, highlights an alarming surge in wrench attacks against cryptocurrency holders in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. So far this year, such attacks have nearly doubled compared to the previous peak year of 2021, with 35 reported cases.
Additionally, various crypto thefts have resulted in the loss of over $2.17 billion within the first six months of 2025, surpassing the total for all of 2024.
“👀 Surge in physical attacks against Bitcoin holders” 2025 risks becoming the worst year on record for “$5 wrench attacks” aimed at Bitcoin holders. — Atlas21 (@Atlas21_news) July 17, 2025
Retail wallet thefts now account for almost 25% of all stolen funds, hitting countries like Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and the Philippines particularly hard.
Indian FIU Probing Binance Over Cross-Border Terror Financing
India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is working closely with Binance to track suspicious private wallet transactions, especially in sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir, which may be linked to cryptocurrency funding from Pakistan.
A local news report published on July 15, 2025, indicates that these privately held wallets are increasingly associated with illegal funding activities.
“🚨BREAKING 🚨” FIU is now questioning Binance regarding cross-border transactions potentially tied to terrorism funding. — Rananjay Singh (@TodayCryptoRj) July 13, 2025
However, Binance is reportedly cooperating with the investigation, particularly as the volume of transactions related to Jammu and Kashmir and bordering areas of Pakistan continues to rise.
VCI Global Strengthens Crypto In Asia With Regulated Bitcoin Investment Vehicle
On July 15, 2025, VCI Global—a diversified holdings firm based in Malaysia—acquired V Capital Fund Management. This acquisition aims to provide Bitcoin investment options for institutional and high-net-worth investors in Asia.
The VCIG Bitcoin Fund, launched through Malaysia’s Labuan financial territory, offers a flexible regulatory framework along with robust compliance to anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) laws.
VCIG announced an agreement to launch the VCIG Bitcoin Fund targeting the growing $2.6 trillion cryptocurrency market. — Parker Wilkes💎 (@0UJl7) July 16, 2025
This venture mirrors the industry’s increasing trend of financial firms integrating digital assets into their operations.