Metaplanet Shareholders Criticize Executive Stock Pool as SE Asia Crypto Funding Doubles
Shareholders of Japanese Bitcoin treasury company Metaplanet are protesting the company's executive stock pool over concerns about equity dilution. At the same time, new data shows that investment in Southeast Asian cryptocurrency firms doubled in 2026, with Singapore capturing the majority of funding.
Metaplanet's 10th Series executive option pool, designed as 20% of fully diluted shares, has drawn widespread criticism on social media. Some shareholders are calling for the cancellation of additional shares created from this pool and greater transparency in future decisions.
Meanwhile, Southeast Asia recorded 25 funding rounds worth $680 million in 2026, up from $319 million across 46 rounds in 2025. Singapore emerged as the top hub in the region, hosting over half of Asia's blockchain companies and attracting 82.5% of all-time equity funding.
Metaplanet shareholders demand cancellation of extra shares
Multiple Metaplanet shareholders have voiced opposition to the 10th Series executive option pool, which automatically expanded as the company issued new shares to fund Bitcoin accumulation. The pool is set at 20% of fully diluted shares.
Some shareholders, as reported on social media, are asking Metaplanet to cancel the 273 million additional shares created through these changes and to provide more transparency on future decisions. Bitcoin Magazine CEO David Bailey defended the plan, stating that giving the team 20% of the cap table over five years "isn't some crazy number," but many shareholders disagree.
Southeast Asia crypto funding hits $680 million in 2026
Investment in Southeast Asian crypto firms doubled between 2025 and 2026, according to private market data from Tracxn. The region saw 25 funding rounds worth $680 million in 2026, compared to 46 rounds worth $319 million in 2025. This indicates that more funds are being directed to fewer companies.
Singapore dominates regional blockchain landscape
Singapore has become the leading crypto hub in Asia, housing 2,285 of the 3,957 blockchain companies in the entire region. It has also accounted for 82.5% of all-time blockchain equity funding tracked across Southeast Asia.
Gemini secures major payment license in Singapore
Cryptocurrency exchange Gemini has received a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This license allows Gemini to provide regulated payment services without transaction-volume limits that apply to standard payment institutions. The exchange has served customers in Singapore since 2020, and its founders describe the country as a strategic hub.
South Korea introduces tokenized securities roadmap
South Korea's Financial Services Commission (SFC) has launched a three-phase roadmap to develop infrastructure for tokenized securities, which are digital representations of assets like stocks and bonds. The first phase, starting Feb. 4, 2027, will give tokenized securities legal recognition after updates to existing laws. Later phases aim to expand tokenization to all publicly offered securities and enable onchain payments linked to stablecoins.
India tests tokenized grain receipts on Avalanche
Indian agricultural company Arya.ag is testing a system to tokenize warehouse receipts for stored grain on a dedicated Avalanche layer-1 blockchain, which is a network designed for specific applications. Working with Finternet, Arya.ag aims to connect grain deposits, receipts, and loan statuses. Testing is underway, but no launch date or scale has been disclosed.
Philippines proposes freeze on payment operator registrations
The Philippines' central bank has proposed freezing new payment-system operator registrations for 12 months to conduct a review of its licensing framework. This move aims to tighten controls on payment arrangements involving virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
Other key developments across Asia
Citi plans to offer Japanese companies near-instant international payments through blockchain-based infrastructure, including outside banking hours. The United States restrained over $52 million in crypto linked to scam marketplace Xinbi Guarantee, with authorities seizing wallets and sanctioning related companies. USDC issuer Circle agreed to acquire Singapore-based cross-border payments company Tazapay for $400 million. South Korea's National Assembly Budget Office estimates that won-denominated stablecoins could reduce merchants' annual payment fees by $275 million to $3.8 billion. India's Financial Intelligence Unit issued non-compliance notices to 15 offshore crypto service providers for alleged anti-money laundering failures. Thailand's Webull Securities acquired Pi Securities for $100 million. In Hong Kong, Circle's USDC jersey sponsorship with Chelsea Football Club has caused issues due to unlicensed crypto promotion rules, and gaming company Boyaa Interactive purchased 115 more Bitcoin for its treasury.
What is confirmed from the sources
The following facts are supported by the supplied material: Metaplanet's executive stock pool is set at 20% of fully diluted shares and has sparked shareholder backlash. Southeast Asia's crypto funding doubled to $680 million in 2026 from $319 million in 2025. Singapore hosts 2,285 blockchain companies and has received 82.5% of regional funding. Gemini obtained an MPI license from MAS. South Korea's SFC introduced a tokenized securities roadmap. Arya.ag is testing grain receipt tokenization on Avalanche. The Philippines' central bank proposed a 12-month freeze on payment operator registrations. The U.S. restrained $52 million in crypto linked to Xinbi. Circle agreed to acquire Tazapay for $400 million. South Korea's budget office estimated stablecoin savings. India's FIU issued notices to 15 crypto providers. Webull acquired Pi Securities for $100 million. Boyaa Interactive bought 115 Bitcoin.
What remains unclear
For Metaplanet, it is unclear whether the company will cancel the additional shares or provide more transparency, as shareholder demands are unconfirmed by the company. The exact scale and timeline for Arya.ag's tokenized grain receipt system are not disclosed. The Philippines' proposed freeze is still in draft circular form and subject to change.
Why these events matter for the crypto industry
The Metaplanet backlash highlights ongoing tensions between company insiders and shareholders over equity in Bitcoin treasury firms. Southeast Asia's funding growth shows increasing institutional interest, with Singapore solidifying its position as a key hub. Regulatory moves in South Korea, the Philippines, and India indicate evolving frameworks for digital assets in the region.
