Crypto news

18.06.2026
17:20

Amber Group Analysis: Asia-Pacific Region Takes Control of Crypto Market Liquidity

Against the backdrop of the current correction in the cryptocurrency market, institutional investors from the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) are showing extreme caution. According to data from Singapore-based digital asset group Amber Group, the key principle for them now is "higher rates for longer." This approach, reinforced by macroeconomic factors, is shaping a new reality for global liquidity.

Macroeconomic backdrop: What went wrong?

According to Amber Group's analysis, unexpectedly strong employment data from the US dashed market hopes for an imminent rate cut by the Federal Reserve. This triggered a sharp rise in government bond yields and a strengthening of the US dollar index. In response, investors began massively shifting capital out of risky assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), which temporarily approached the $60,000 mark. The market entered a defensive reaction—a typical scenario during monetary policy tightening.

Institutional demand weakens

Notably, spot Bitcoin ETFs, which served as the main growth driver earlier this year, are no longer supporting the market. On the contrary, they are recording net outflows. The former pillar of the bullish movement is gradually crumbling, adding pressure on prices. However, in my professional opinion, this is merely a temporary phase of capital redistribution, not the end of the cycle.

Global shift: Asia on the rise

In parallel, on-chain analysis conducted by XWIN Japan reveals a fundamental shift. Trading volumes of the stablecoin USDT during Asian trading hours are steadily increasing and now match, and sometimes even surpass, those of the US session. While US liquidity drove the crypto market in 2020, the center of gravity is now firmly shifting to the APAC region.

Graph of stablecoin volume in Asia and the US
USDT volume during Asian and US trading hours since 2020: Asian activity is steadily growing.

Digital asset infrastructure in Asia is developing rapidly. Hong Kong is actively implementing tokenized bond projects, Japan is exploring decentralized finance, and South Korea is accelerating stablecoin development. Short-term sentiment remains weak, but the long-term foundation of the industry is strengthening. Investors should focus not only on ETF flows but also on interest rates, dollar liquidity, and capital inflows into Asia.

Cryptalist analyst verdict

The current correction is not the end of the market, but a shift in its geographic center. Asia is becoming the new driver of liquidity, and those who ignore this trend risk being left out of the next major growth cycle. I recommend closely monitoring Asian trading sessions and stablecoin on-chain data—they are currently setting the tone.