# Metaplanet faces shareholder revolt as SE Asia crypto funding surges Singapore cements its position as Asia's leading crypto hub amid regulatory shifts - **Source:** [Cointelegraph.com News](https://brifing.si/source/2e81e982-0137-4db0-8ac2-351f37085775) - **Published:** 2026-09-10 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bf2b4e02-7e84-49a6-b678-bd5d1306d3ca ## Metaplanet's executive stock pool controversy Japanese Bitcoin treasury company Metaplanet faces shareholder backlash over its 10th Series executive option pool, representing 20% of fully diluted shares. The automatic expansion mechanism as new shares are issued for BTC accumulation has drawn criticism, with shareholders demanding cancellation of 273 million newly created shares. Bitcoin Magazine CEO David Bailey defended the 20% allocation as reasonable, but dissent continues across social media platforms. ## SE Asia crypto funding doubles Crypto investment in Southeast Asia surged from $319 million in 2025 to $680 million in 2026, according to Tracxn data. However, the number of funding rounds dropped from 46 to 25, indicating larger deals for fewer companies. Singapore dominates the regional landscape, hosting 2,285 of Asia's 3,957 blockchain firms and accounting for 82.5% of all-time blockchain equity funding in the region. ## Singapore's crypto leadership Gemini secured a Major Payment Institution license from Singapore's MAS, completing its two-year transition from initial approval. The license removes transaction limits for payment services. Meanwhile, Circle plans to acquire Singapore-based Tazapay for $400 million, expanding its cross-border payments network across 100 markets through 60+ banking partners. These developments reinforce Singapore's position as Asia's premier crypto hub. ## US cracks down on crypto scams US authorities restrained $52 million linked to scam marketplace Xinbi Guarantee, seizing two wallets containing $12 million. OFAC designated Xinbi as a transnational criminal organization and sanctioned Singapore's SafeW Technology and Cambodia's Anwen Technology for alleged support services. The coordinated operation targeted 47 additional wallets suspected of money laundering across Xinbi's network. ## South Korea's tokenization roadmap South Korea's FSC unveiled a three-phase plan for tokenized securities, effective February 2027. Phase one covers money market funds, bonds, and unlisted stocks, with subsequent phases expanding to all public securities and stablecoin-linked payments. The National Assembly Budget Office estimates won-denominated stablecoins could save merchants $275 million to $3.8 billion annually in payment fees. ## India's blockchain experiments Arya.ag is testing tokenized warehouse receipts for grain storage on an Avalanche blockchain, collaborating with Finternet. Meanwhile, India's FIU issued notices to 15 offshore VASPs for AML violations and requested app takedowns. The Finance Ministry will discuss digital asset taxation before parliament on September 16, signaling upcoming regulatory developments. ## Regional regulatory shifts Thailand's Webull acquired Pi Securities for $100 million, while the Philippines proposed a 12-month freeze on new payment operator registrations with stricter VASP controls. These moves reflect Southeast Asia's evolving digital asset landscape, balancing innovation with consumer protection as crypto adoption grows across traditional financial sectors. ## Industry implications The Metaplanet controversy highlights governance challenges in crypto-native firms, while SE Asia's funding surge demonstrates institutional confidence despite market volatility. Singapore's regulatory clarity continues attracting major players, contrasting with other jurisdictions' cautious approaches. These developments suggest crypto's maturation from speculative asset to financial infrastructure component across Asia. ## Sources covering this story - https://cointelegraph.com/magazine/metaplanet-equity-backlash-se-asia-crypto-funding-doubles-asia-express?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._