Eyes on Asia: Does On-chain Data Reveal the Shift?

At DuneCon 2024, Daniel Kim of Tiger Research delivered a compelling presentation exploring whether on-chain data signals a growing shift toward Asia's dominance in the Web3 and blockchain space.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why Asia Matters:
    • Population & Growth:
      • 60% of the global population resides in Asia, with a young median age of 33.3 years.
      • Asia drives 34% of global GDP with a 3.4% annual growth rate, outpacing North America (1.7%) and Europe (1.3%).
    • Crypto Leadership:
      • 58% of global crypto users are in Asia.
      • Countries like Japan and Korea rank second and fourth in crypto trading volumes by fiat currency.
      • Asia is home to 51% of global GitHub developers.
  • Consumer-Centric Digital Culture:
    • Asian markets lead in consumer applications like payment, healthcare, and super apps, with examples including WeChat, KakaoTalk, and LINE.
    • Super apps provide seamless integration of daily activities, making them ideal platforms for Web3 adoption.
  • On-Chain Data Insights:
    • Regulatory Impact:
      • The 2022 amendment to Japan's Payment Services Act caused a spike in Japanese Yen stablecoin activity, though the interest has since waned.
    • Stablecoins:
      • Significant growth in local currency-denominated stablecoins across Asia, particularly in Singapore (XSGD) and Indonesia (XIDR).
    • Smart Contracts:
      • Asia now matches other regions in Ethereum mainnet smart contract deployment, highlighting increased developer activity.
  • Behavioral Shifts in DeFi:
    • Asian activity on Uniswap has grown steadily, with a noticeable shift from shark investors (2020) to retail investors (2024).
    • This indicates increased adoption by everyday users moving from centralized to decentralized exchanges.
  • Web3 Social Trends:
    • Asian languages like Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean are increasingly dominant on platforms like Forecaster.
    • Engagement rates and post volumes from Asian users have surpassed those of North America and Europe since March 2023.

Recommendations for Builders and Investors:

  1. Leverage Asia’s Momentum:
    Asia is driving Web3's growth with its unique blend of young demographics, digital adoption, and economic expansion.
  2. Adapt Strategies Locally:
    • Asia’s diversity demands tailored approaches for each market.
    • Work with local partners to navigate cultural nuances and regulatory landscapes.
  3. Dive Into On-Chain Data:
    • Use tools like Dune Analytics to uncover patterns and behaviors of Asian users.
    • Understand how regional differences shape adoption and engagement.

👉 Watch this session now to uncover actionable insights and strategies for tapping into Asia’s thriving Web3 ecosystem! 🚀

Transcript