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.
- Population & Growth:
- 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.
- Regulatory Impact:
- 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:
- Leverage Asia’s Momentum:
Asia is driving Web3's growth with its unique blend of young demographics, digital adoption, and economic expansion. - Adapt Strategies Locally:
- Asia’s diversity demands tailored approaches for each market.
- Work with local partners to navigate cultural nuances and regulatory landscapes.
- 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! 🚀