The Australian cryptocurrency exchange Swyftx is about to complete the acquisition of the New Zealand platform Easy Crypto, thus marking a significant evolution of the sector in the oceanic area.
The operation, scheduled for March 31, will see both platforms continue to operate separately while they work towards a future integration.
Swyftx on Easy Crypto: an acquisition favored by regulatory changes in the United States
According to Jason Titman, CEO of Swyftx, the operation benefits from the more favorable orientation of American policies towards cryptocurrencies.
Titman stated that Donald Trump’s vision regarding the sector represents a “positive push” for the market, promoting the creation of a clearer regulatory framework.
Titman believes that the arrival of more balanced regulation in the USA could improve liquidity and encourage other governments to adopt more defined regulations for the sector.
Nevertheless, the agreement between Swyftx and Easy Crypto was already underway before the U.S. presidential elections, as stated:
“The context for fusioni e acquisizioni will improve significantly and there is no doubt that investments will increase. This agreement could be the first of a long series.”
With the inauguration of Trump on January 20, several signs of change have already emerged in the sector.
Among these, the entry of pro-crypto executives into key roles of the regulation in the United States and an evolution of the attitude of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) towards cryptocurrencies.
The CEO of Swyftx highlighted how the market has gone through a difficult period in terms of mergers and acquisitions in recent years.
Many entrepreneurs in the crypto sector have avoided exposing themselves to regulatory risks during the Biden presidency, preferring to adopt a more bull approach.
This hesitation, according to Titman, has also extended to other markets where regulators have maintained an ambiguous attitude, without adopting clear laws capable of supporting blockchain and digital assets.
However, the landscape is changing. The CEO of Swyftx predicts an increase in mergers and acquisitions in the coming quarters, with high activity in this area that could remain steady in the long term:
“Political administrations change, but the rules remain longer, providing companies with the necessary certainty to invest.”
A new giant in the crypto market in Oceania
The agreement between Swyftx and Easy Crypto will lead to the creation of a new key player for the cryptocurrency sector in Oceania.
After the acquisition, the two companies will together maintain a workforce of almost 200 employees with their main headquarters in Brisbane, Australia.
Janine Grainger, co-founder and CEO of Easy Crypto, described the merger with Swyftx as a “natural step”, emphasizing how the crypto market has undergone a significant transformation in the last four years:
“With the maturation of the market, a trend towards consolidation and the emergence of increasingly strong players is observed both at the regional and global level.”
The data confirms the potential of the sector in the region. A survey conducted by Swyftx in August 2024 estimated that 3.9 million Australians own cryptocurrencies, out of a total population of 26 million.
In New Zealand, a study by the company Protocol Theory, in collaboration with Easy Crypto, found that nearly 50% of the population (5.2 million) owns, has owned, or is considering investing in crypto.
Grainger highlighted the increase in interest in the crypto sector as a tool for economic growth, emphasizing the strong support for the sector in New Zealand:
“There is significant support for cryptocurrencies at the local level: almost 50% of New Zealanders have already invested or are considering an investment in the sector.”
Another fundamental aspect is the strengthening of regulations in the region, which, according to Grainger, will help to improve investor confidence and create a more robust environment for the development of the sector.
The acquisition of Easy Crypto by Swyftx represents a significant step towards the growth of the crypto sector in Oceania.
The strengthening of regulations and the increase in interest from investors create a unique opportunity for the formation of a leading operator in the region.
With the new regulations on the way and a more stable economic landscape, the future of cryptocurrencies in Australia and New Zealand looks increasingly promising.
