How Kazakhstan is Secretly Becoming a Crypto Hub

We spoke to Athena Miao who is CCO at BigONE exchange, during the Almaty Innovation Summit. BigOne is a global crypto exchange which is now also licensed through the Astana International Finance Center (AIFC) to operate in Kazakhstan. Athena shares how Kazakhstan became a regional leader in crypto and blockchain, the key milestones, and the critical role which local regulators have played. We explore some nuances like differences between Singapore's MAS and the local regulators. Hear how Kazakhstan can cement itself as a regional leader despite growing competition from neighbouring regimes, and the future of Central Asia's largest economy. Chapters 00:00 Athena Miao, CCO at BigOne Exchange 03:43 Moving Headquarters from Singapore to Kazakhstan 07:03 Milestones for Kazakhstan 08:25 Regulatory Differences in Singapore vs Kazakhstan 12:40 What Makes Kazakhstan Attractive for Crypto Companies? 16:19 Growing Regional Competition 22:45 VC & Startup Ecosystem