Tired of ads? Enjoy an ad-free experience by signing up.
Jofie Yordan · · 5 min read

Indonesia tightens regulations amid crypto winter

Welcome to The Top Up! Delivered every Wednesday via email and through the Tech in Asia website, this free newsletter breaks down the biggest stories and trends in fintech. Get it in your email inbox by registering here.

Hello there,

To say that crypto firms aren’t doing well right now would be an understatement.

Many of my friends have pulled back from investing in such assets in the middle of the crypto winter. Those still seeking “instant profits,” meanwhile, have turned to other investment instruments.

But there are many others who are buying crypto amid tough times, with the hope that the situation will get better. However, things just got even harder in Indonesia after the government tightened crypto regulations.

The country’s latest rules mandate that crypto trading platforms have 100 billion rupiah (US$6.5 million) in paid-up capital, up from the current 50 billion rupiah (US$3.3 million).

While the move could eliminate non-legitimate players, it poses a challenge for smaller crypto companies in the archipelago.

My colleague Budi dives deeper into this new regulation and how it could impact the industry.

Meanwhile, in this week’s Hot Take, I examine several of reasons that may have led to layoffs at Indonesia-based Xendit, which affected 5% of its employees in two markets. Given how the fintech unicorn just raised funds a few months ago, many were surprised by the job cuts.

Jofie


THE BIG STORY

Indonesia’s crypto exchanges face fuzzy future amid new regulations

Image credit: Timmy Loen

The proposed rules might make things tough for smaller firms, but Bappebti’s regulations are still up in the air.


THE HOT TAKE

Why Xendit laid off employees after raising $300m in May


NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW


FYI


Stay ahead in Asia’s tech landscape

You've reached your 2 free content limit for the month. Sign up for free to read the full story.

🏄 For casual readers / 👶 Free

Basic

US$0

Free forever

Get instant access to this article and more every month

0 premium content

Unlimited news briefs

5

5 articles

Ad-free reading experience

Just US$0 per day

⌛Sign up in 20s. No payment details needed.

📖 For learners / 👍 Starter

Lite

US$4.92/month

Billed annually at US$59/year

Get instant access to this article and more every month

4

4 premium content

Unlimited news briefs & articles

Ad-free reading experience

Just US$0.17 per day

Cancel anytime

Our subscriber community includes professionals from these companies:

Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.

Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.

TIA Writer

Jofie Yordan

Based in Jakarta. A correspondent at Tech in Asia who covers startups and VC, with a primary focus on the ecommerce sector in Southeast Asia.