Saha Swatilakha
In a landmark move for the financial and cryptocurrency sectors, Taiwan is set to launch the world’s first dedicated crypto-friendly bank account. BitoGroup, the parent company of the Taiwanese cryptocurrency exchange BitoPro, has partnered with Far Eastern International Bank’s digital arm, Bankee, to facilitate seamless fiat transactions between BitoPro users and traditional banks. This groundbreaking initiative aims to bolster the integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial systems, marking a significant milestone for the global crypto community.
BitoGroup CEO Titan Cheng announced that this new service is expected to increase the average daily transaction amount per user by 25% initially. The service, which has already received positive feedback during its pilot phase, promises to be a game-changer once it becomes fully accessible to all Taiwanese customers. Cheng expressed optimism about the potential for “explosive growth,” underscoring the innovative strides Taiwan is making in the financial technology landscape.
This new service is the result of three years of collaborative research and development between BitoGroup and Bankee. The integration of their systems ensures compliance with regulatory standards while prioritizing user experience. The dedicated bank account can be linked to a BitoPro exchange account and set up in less than an hour, significantly enhancing user convenience. Cheng emphasized the importance of security, platform stability, and user transaction experience, which have been paramount throughout the development process.
In addition to the partnership with Bankee, BitoGroup has also joined forces with Neweb Technologies, Taiwan’s largest third-party payment processor, to launch BitoPay. This payment service will enable approximately 300,000 merchants across Taiwan to accept cryptocurrency payments, making BitoPay the most widely accepted crypto payment solution in the country. This initiative is set to revolutionize the way businesses and consumers interact with digital currencies, further embedding cryptocurrencies into everyday financial transactions.
BitoGroup’s initiatives reflect a strategic effort to foster innovation and trust in the cryptocurrency sector. The formation of the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Association, with BitoGroup’s CEO Titan Cheng elected as its first chairman, marks a new era of regulation and cooperation between crypto firms and traditional financial institutions. This collaboration aims to strengthen regulatory confidence and lay a solid foundation for a robust crypto-financial system in Taiwan.
Along with these technological advances, Taiwan has also taken a stance on educating the masses on cryptocurrency and its wider effects on the economy. On June 19, the National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT), also known as Taipei Tech, announced a new partnership with the crypto firm Tether. This collaboration aims to boost blockchain and digital asset education in the region, equipping students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the technology. The “Blockchain & Digital Asset” program, initially launched in NTUT’s College of Management, quickly became one of the most popular offerings in the Information and Finance department, with over 110 students enrolled. The program’s success has sparked interest from other universities to partner with Tether for similar initiatives.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated that the initiative aims to empower students to boost digital asset adoption in Taiwan. “By focusing on comprehensive knowledge, [we aim] to work hand-in-hand with these prestigious universities to empower the next generation of blockchain professionals in the region,” he said. Tether also invested $18.75 million in Taipei-headquartered crypto exchange XREX aiming to expand the use cases for USDT-based payments in emerging markets.
By launching the world’s first dedicated crypto-friendly bank account, facilitating widespread crypto payments through BitoPay, and fostering academic programs in blockchain technology, Taiwan is positioning itself at the forefront of the global crypto revolution. These initiatives not only enhance user convenience and security but also pave the way for broader adoption and regulatory confidence in digital assets. As Taiwan continues to innovate and educate, it is poised to become a pivotal hub in the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
