The global cryptocurrency sector is poised for a significant transformation, characterized by evolving regulatory frameworks, growing institutional acceptance, and the increasing presence of tokenized assets. At the recent Token2049 event in Singapore, Bitget’s Chief Operating Officer, Vugar Usi Zade, shared insights into the future of crypto adoption and the company’s ambition to revolutionize the industry, likening its goals to those of financial pioneer Stripe.
During the discussion, Vugar highlighted the crucial role that payments, accessibility, and innovation play in driving mass crypto adoption. He envisions Bitget as a Universal Exchange, aimed at making the experience of engaging in on-chain activities as intuitive as browsing the internet.
Achieving broad crypto acceptance hinges on clear regulatory guidelines. Vugar expressed concerns regarding overregulation, noting that many investors are drawn to regions with more favorable laws, such as the Middle East. He argued that regulation should not stifle innovation. Instead, it should empower creators to develop new products, emphasizing that the real key to widespread crypto usage lies in practical applications integrated into daily life, such as shopping or ordering food. He advocates for a shift in perspective where crypto transactions become part of everyday life rather than solely focused on trading.
Bitget has experienced impressive growth, expanding its user base from 11 million to nearly 20 million in just three years. With ambitions to reach a billion users—many of whom may not be active traders—Bitget is concentrating on everyday payments and creating a universal platform for trading tokenized assets, including commodities and stocks. The platform’s integration with Bitget Pay and partnerships with Mastercard has already enabled seamless crypto payment solutions for over 100,000 merchants, underpinning the company’s vision of normalizing on-chain living.
Understanding that user experience is a significant barrier for newcomers, Bitget aims to simplify the onboarding process while accommodating more advanced traders. Vugar noted that users shouldn’t need to grasp the intricacies of blockchain technology to benefit from crypto services. Features like hourly returns on funds instead of long lock-up periods, along with a copy trading platform that allows novice users to mimic successful traders, significantly enhance accessibility. At the same time, Bitget offers advanced trading options for experienced investors, ensuring that the platform caters to varying levels of expertise.
Innovative tools, such as the AI-powered “Get Agent,” are part of Bitget’s broader strategy to meld data and artificial intelligence into trading practices. This trading assistant is designed to analyze market data quickly, providing insights that humans might miss in fast-moving situations. The integration of intelligent automation enables users to make informed trading decisions at a rapid pace.
On the compliance front, Bitget is making strides as it expands internationally. The company is testing Bitget Pay and card services in prominent markets like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brazil, working closely with local authorities to promote digital payment solutions. Presently, Bitget holds 26 licenses and plans to secure approximately 100 by year-end, collaborating with regulators on anti-money laundering (AML), know your customer (KYC), and other compliance measures, even in regions where formal legislation is still developing.
As Bitget evolves beyond merely being a cryptocurrency exchange, it’s focusing on becoming the Universal Exchange. This includes introducing US stock futures and exploring opportunities in real estate and other markets. Vugar noted the growing trend of fractional ownership, particularly in markets like Dubai, where fractional asset ownership is already legal. By 2030, it’s expected that around 7% of Middle East real estate will be tokenized. Bitget aspires to be the platform where users can diversify their portfolios across cryptocurrencies, stocks, and real-world assets.
With regard to the impact of interest rate cuts on stablecoin adoption, Vugar suggested that an influx of excess cash into the ecosystem could boost Bitcoin demand and drive up prices. He highlighted that, currently, even retail investors can achieve around 18% APR with the Bitget Wallet—levels significantly higher than traditional bank offerings. In response to the burgeoning interest in stablecoins, Bitget’s investment arm, Foresight Ventures, has launched a $50 million fund aimed at supporting innovative projects in this sector, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing the crypto landscape.
