Dubai has been ranked the top crypto hub in Asia, according to a regional roundup that also highlighted several major policy and industry shifts across the continent. The update said Japan’s SBI Crypto has shut down the 12th-largest Bitcoin mining pool in the world, while India has moved to separate banks from direct crypto exposure.
The developments matter because they show how uneven crypto growth remains across Asia. While some cities are positioning themselves as centers for exchange activity, infrastructure, and Web3 business, other markets are tightening the relationship between traditional finance and digital assets.
SBI Crypto’s shutdown is notable because mining pool operators play a key role in Bitcoin network participation. A major pool closing can affect the distribution of mining power and reflects how competitive and changeable the mining sector continues to be.
India’s banking separation from crypto points to ongoing caution from financial institutions, even as adoption and policy discussions continue in the region. For companies operating across borders, these different approaches can shape where they build products, open accounts, and seek regulatory clarity.
The roundup also said Russia is preparing to launch a digital ruble despite EU sanctions, underscoring how central bank digital currency projects continue moving forward in some jurisdictions even under geopolitical pressure. Together, the stories reflect a wider pattern of regional divergence in crypto policy, infrastructure, and state-backed digital money efforts.