The Rise of Crypto-Friendly Retail Brokers: A New Era for Digital Assets Adoption in the APAC Region

The APAC region is witnessing a seismic shift in how retail investors access digital assets. At the forefront of this transformation is Sharesies, a New Zealand-based fintech platform that has long championed accessible investing for everyday users. With its planned August 2025 rollout of crypto trading services, Sharesies is not merely responding to demand—it is reflecting a broader trend of regulatory evolution and investor appetite in a region where digital assets are transitioning from niche curiosity to mainstream consideration.

Strategic Market Entry: Bridging Complexity and Demand

Sharesies' foray into crypto trading is a calculated move to address two critical gaps: usability and education. By partnering with a leading crypto exchange, the platform aims to eliminate the technical hurdles that have historically deterred retail investors, such as managing private keys and navigating volatile markets. This approach mirrors the strategies of global fintech giants like Robinhood and eToro, which democratized stock trading by simplifying interfaces and reducing barriers to entry.

The decision to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum—two of the most liquid and recognizable cryptocurrencies—further underscores Sharesies' focus on accessibility. These assets have experienced dramatic price swings in 2025, with Bitcoin fluctuating between US$77,000 and US$120,000. Such volatility, while daunting, is also a driver of interest, particularly among younger investors seeking high-growth opportunities. Sharesies' fractional investing model, which allows users to buy shares or crypto with as little as one cent, positions the platform as a bridge between traditional finance and the crypto-native generation.

Regulatory Tailwinds: Navigating a Complex Landscape

The APAC region's regulatory environment is both a challenge and an opportunity for crypto-friendly brokers. In New Zealand, the Financial Market Authority (FMA) has taken a cautious but pragmatic approach, banning cryptocurrency ATMs and capping foreign currency transfers at NZ$5,000 to combat financial crime. Yet it has also established a regulatory sandbox to foster innovation, signaling a willingness to adapt. Sharesies' alignment with these frameworks—by treating crypto as a regulated financial service—positions it to navigate risks while maintaining compliance.

Australia, meanwhile, has seen a surge in regulatory clarity. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) updated its guidance on digital assets in late 2024, including revised definitions for crypto products and proposed relief for startups. These changes aim to balance innovation with investor protection, a critical factor for platforms like Sharesies entering the Australian market. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has also emphasized robust risk management, suggesting that long-term success in the region will favor platforms that prioritize transparency and security.

Investor Sentiment: From Skepticism to Sophistication

Retail investor sentiment in APAC has evolved rapidly. A 2025 survey by Deloitte found that 42% of Australian and New Zealand investors now consider crypto a core part of their portfolios, up from 18% in 2021. This shift is driven by two factors: the maturation of crypto as an asset class and the rise of educational initiatives. Sharesies, for instance, has pledged to integrate risk-awareness tools and educational content into its platform, acknowledging that volatility and regulatory uncertainty require informed decision-making.

The platform's emphasis on simplicity also resonates with a demographic increasingly disillusioned with traditional finance. For example, millennials and Gen Z investors—digital natives who prioritize flexibility and low fees—are flocking to platforms that offer crypto alongside stocks, ETFs, and managed funds. This trend mirrors the global rise of “all-in-one” investment apps, which now account for over 60% of new retail trading accounts in the region.

Long-Term Investment Potential: Fintech as a Catalyst

For investors, the question is whether platforms like Sharesies represent a passing fad or a durable shift in financial services. The answer lies in their ability to adapt to regulatory and technological changes. Sharesies' 700,000-strong user base in New Zealand and Australia already demonstrates strong traction, and its expansion into crypto could accelerate this growth.

However, success will depend on navigating three key risks:
1. Regulatory Tightening: Stricter rules in 2026 could increase compliance costs.
2. Market Volatility: Crypto's inherent price swings may deter conservative investors.
3. Competition: Established players like Revolut and Coinbase are expanding into the APAC market.

Sharesies' strength lies in its regional focus and regulatory agility. By embedding compliance into its product design and leveraging partnerships with crypto exchanges, it is well-positioned to outmaneuver global rivals in a market where local trust is paramount.

A New Era for Digital Assets

The APAC region is no longer on the periphery of the crypto revolution—it is now a central player. Sharesies' strategic entry into crypto trading exemplifies how fintech platforms are redefining access, education, and regulation in this space. For investors, the broader lesson is clear: the future of finance will be shaped by firms that bridge traditional and digital assets while navigating regulatory complexity with foresight.

Investment Advice: Consider allocating a small portion of your portfolio to fintech platforms with strong regulatory alignment, such as Sharesies, but balance this with hedging strategies given crypto's volatility. Long-term growth is likely to favor those that prioritize user education and adaptability, as the APAC market continues to evolve into a crypto-friendly hub.