Asian Family Offices Pour $100M Into Crypto as Demand Surges

Wealth shifts digital as family offices dive headfirst into crypto markets.

Capital Migration

Asian ultra-high-net-worth families are deploying nine-figure sums into digital assets—bypassing traditional wealth preservation strategies entirely. The $100 million movement represents a fundamental shift in how old money approaches new technology.

Institutional-Grade Adoption

Family offices aren't dipping toes—they're diving deep. They're building dedicated crypto portfolios, hiring blockchain specialists, and restructuring legacy allocations. Traditional advisors scramble to keep up while these dynasties write their own investment rules.

Regulatory Arbitrage Play

Some jurisdictions welcome the influx with open arms—and favorable regulations. Others... well, let's just say compliance departments are earning their bonuses this quarter. The smart money moves where it's treated best, after all.

Because nothing says 'conservative wealth management' like betting on internet money that could moon or crash based on a tweet. The future's here—whether traditional finance is ready or not.

UBS: Chinese Family Offices Plan to Lift Crypto Exposure to 5%

The growing allocation is also being noted by major banks. UBS said some overseas Chinese family offices plan to increase crypto exposure to around 5% of their holdings.

“Many second- and third-generation individuals of family offices are starting to learn about and participate in VIRTUAL currencies,” said Lu Zijie, head of wealth management at UBS China.

The rally in Bitcoin, which surged past $124,000 this month, has amplified the enthusiasm. President Donald Trump’s administration recently advanced the pro-crypto GENIUS Act, while Hong Kong’s stablecoin legislation has strengthened regional confidence.

“The momentum has definitely built, and I think it’s a function of just general maturity of the asset class,” said Saad Ahmed, head of Asia Pacific at Gemini.

Wealth managers noted a shift in mindset. A few years ago, family offices considered digital assets as an optional allocation; today, they increasingly view crypto as essential.

WLFI’s USD1 stablecoin could become the #3 stable by maturity. Unlike DeFi-focused stables, it’s targeting treasuries, sovereign deals, and Middle Eastern family offices.

Going from $2B to $100B supply is realistic when the Treasury market is trillions. That’s the opportunity. pic.twitter.com/uLxzu02kku

“Last year, they started to dip their feet into Bitcoin ETFs… now they have begun to learn the difference of holding a token directly,” said Zann Kwan, CIO of Singapore-based Revo Digital Family Office.

Some family offices are also embracing more complex strategies, moving beyond buy-and-hold. Lighthouse Canton, a Singapore wealth manager, said clients are exploring basis trades and arbitrage.

Fidelity International’s Giselle Lai added that bitcoin is now being treated as a hedge against macro uncertainty, noting its low correlation with stocks and bonds.

HashKey Exchange Sees 85% Surge in Users Amid Crypto Boom

Exchanges are benefiting from the trend. Hong Kong’s HashKey Exchange reported an 85% jump in registered users year-on-year as of August 2025.

In South Korea, trading volumes at the three largest platforms are up 17% so far this year, with average daily turnover climbing more than 20%.

As reported, South Korean authorities are lifting restrictions on institutional trading and preparing to approve the country’s first spot crypto ETFs.

President Lee Jae Myung’s administration is also working on a stablecoin framework pegged to the Korean won, signaling a more open approach to digital finance despite the latest curbs.

Last week, Dunamu, the operator of South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, unveiled a new custody service aimed at corporate and institutional clients, as regulatory green lights for virtual asset investments spark growing demand for secure storage solutions.