Coinbase has surpassed Nasdaq and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in transaction revenue, generating $5.75 billion over the past year, though it still lags in trading volume. Despite a recent revenue dip to $1.2 billion in Q3 2024, analysts predict growth potential in international markets. CEO Mouloukou Sanoh anticipates Coinbase could become a leading global exchange in the next decade.
Hong Kong's securities regulator has approved four new cryptocurrency exchanges—Accumulus GBA Technology, DFX Labs, Hong Kong Digital Asset EX, and Thousand Whales Technology—enhancing its status as a digital asset hub. This decision follows a surge in Bitcoin prices and reflects the city's commitment to a robust regulatory framework while balancing investor protection and business growth. The newly licensed platforms must meet strict operational conditions, joining three previously approved exchanges and signaling a trend toward regulatory maturity in the crypto space.
In 2024, global IPO activity declined, with a 10% drop in the number of offerings to 1,215 and a 4% decrease in transaction value to $121 billion. The US market saw significant growth, while China's IPOs plummeted by over half, reflecting stark regional disparities influenced by deglobalization and interest rate changes. Switzerland's Galderma IPO ranked fifth globally, and experts express optimism for a market revival in 2025, driven by favorable conditions and potential deregulation in the US.
In 2024, global IPO activity declined, with a 10% drop in the number of offerings to 1,215 and a 4% decrease in transaction value to $121 billion. The U.S. market saw significant growth, while China experienced a dramatic slump, with IPOs halving to 170 and transaction value plummeting by 65%. Despite challenges, optimism for a revival in capital markets is noted, particularly in Switzerland, driven by interest rate cuts and favorable market conditions.
UBS faces challenges in China due to Xi Jinping's policies promoting "universal prosperity," which discourage high executive salaries and wealth concentration. The sluggish economy, exacerbated by a real estate crisis, has led wealthy clients to shift assets abroad, complicating UBS's operations. The bank hopes for a gradual economic stimulus from the Chinese government to stabilize the market and boost private consumption.
World stocks are mixed as markets await the Federal Reserve's rate decision. European indices opened higher, while Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.7%. Nissan shares surged 23.7% amid collaboration talks with Honda, while U.S. retail sales exceeded expectations, hinting at a resilient economy.
Coinbase ranks fifth globally in exchange revenue, generating $5.75 billion, surpassing traditional exchanges like Nasdaq and CBOE. It holds an 11% share of global exchange revenue, while decentralized exchanges (DEXs) capture 5%. Centralized and decentralized exchanges are expanding significantly faster than traditional finance, with a projected combined market cap of $749 billion. Competition is expected to intensify in 2025 as traditional finance integrates crypto activities, and DeFi protocols may offer better returns than leading cryptocurrencies.
A recent interest rate cut by the Swiss National Bank has positioned Zurich to potentially surpass Hong Kong as the world's most expensive city for real estate. With the key interest rate halved to 0.5 percent, home prices in Zurich are expected to rise by 3.5 percent in 2025, further increasing the financial burden on young families seeking home ownership. As prices in Zurich outpace those in major cities like New York, Paris, and London, the real estate market is poised for continued growth despite concerns over affordability.
Wealth managers in Hong Kong are ramping up hiring to accommodate a surge in mainland Chinese clients seeking offshore investments and residency options. With private wealth net inflows nearly tripling to HK$341 billion in 2023, banks like UBS and Julius Baer are expanding their teams and services to cater to this growing demand. Amid geopolitical concerns and economic challenges in China, affluent individuals are increasingly looking to diversify their assets and secure better opportunities abroad.
Hong Kong is advancing its position as a global crypto hub by streamlining the licensing process for virtual asset trading platforms, with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) aiming for initial permits by year-end. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is also exploring digital bonds and tokenized securities, while discussions about the Exchange Fund's potential crypto interests are gaining traction. Additionally, plans to exempt certain funds and high-net-worth individuals from capital gains taxes on crypto income reflect the city's commitment to fostering a balanced and innovative crypto ecosystem.
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