Binance’s Tokocrypto has successfully secured the Physical Crypto Asset Trader (PFAK) license from Indonesia’s Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (Bappebti). This new development marks a significant achievement for Binance, reinforcing its influence in Southeast Asia and strengthening its presence in Indonesia’s growing crypto market.
The licensing allows Tokocrypto to operate fully as a physical crypto asset trader in Indonesia. After investing in Tokocrypto in 2020, Binance acquired full ownership of the exchange in 2022, positioning it to compete with other major crypto exchanges in the region. Obtaining the PFAK license was rigorous, reflecting the exchange’s commitment to adhering to Indonesia’s regulatory standards.
Full operational authorization for tokocrypto
With the acquisition of the PFAK license, Tokocrypto transitioned from being a Prospective Physical Crypto Asset Trader (CPFAK), a status it has held since 2019, to being a fully licensed entity. Binance, in its official announcement, emphasized the importance of this license, highlighting it as a testament to its dedication to regulatory compliance and its role in enhancing Indonesia’s Web3 ecosystem.
Binance’s CEO, Richard Teng, stressed the significance of the PFAK license, noting that it showcases the company’s commitment to operating within regulatory frameworks and is a cornerstone in building investor confidence. A spokesperson from Binance echoed these sentiments, explaining that the license is crucial in providing secure and transparent trading services to users in Indonesia.
The spokesperson stated: “The PFAK license is a major milestone for Tokocrypto. It underscores our dedication to ensuring a safe and trustworthy trading environment for our users. By meeting Bappebti’s stringent licensing standards, we aim to safeguard investor interests and maintain our commitment to regulatory compliance.”
Strategic growth and market expansion
Tokocrypto’s CEO, Yudhono Rawis, expressed pride in being one of only three exchanges in Indonesia to receive the PFAK license. He attributed this success to the exchange’s unwavering focus on meeting the highest regulatory standards. Rawis explained that this achievement is a strategic step in solidifying Tokocrypto’s position within the Indonesian crypto market.
This license is pivotal in our strategy to establish a strong presence in Indonesia’s crypto ecosystem,” said Rawis. “It enables us to offer superior services to our growing customer base.”
Binance’s focus now shifts to further expanding Tokocrypto’s user base, which has exceeded 4.5 million. The exchange has also seen a notable increase in its monthly trading volume, with a growth rate of 136%, demonstrating its consistent performance and reliability.
Crypto market dynamics in Indonesia
The approval of Tokocrypto’s PFAK license underscores Indonesia’s growing importance in the global crypto landscape. The country is rapidly becoming a hub for crypto adoption, attracting significant interest from various crypto entities looking to expand into the Asian market.
Tether, a major stablecoin issuer, announced plans to conduct an educational tour across Indonesia. The tour aims to raise the local population’s awareness and understanding of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
Bappebti has forecasted that crypto transactions in Indonesia could reach $51.28 billion in 2024, comparable to the heights seen during the 2021 bull run. Despite the recent neutral market sentiment, Indonesia remains a focal point for crypto adoption due to its high internet penetration, favorable regulatory environment, and large unbanked population.
Regulatory oversight of cryptocurrencies in Indonesia will transition to the Financial Services Authority (OJK) by January 2025. This shift may bring significant changes, including reclassifying cryptocurrencies as financial instruments and introducing a regulatory sandbox for all new crypto products before they receive approval.