Edith Yeung, co-founder and general partner at Race Capital, has long been at the forefront of crypto innovation. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Yeung has closely observed the region’s growing role as a crypto hub. From her early investments in Solana and Lightning Network to her authorship of the influential China Internet report, Yeung’s perspectives offer valuable insights into the future of digital assets.

Hong Kong’s regulatory framework is creating optimism among investors. With seven licensed virtual asset trading platforms, the city is setting the stage for a robust crypto ecosystem. However, Yeung cautions that licensing alone won’t suffice; liquidity is the missing piece. A vibrant trading environment, much like traffic on a well-constructed highway, is essential for sustainable growth.

Yeung likens Hong Kong to the "New York of Asia," emphasizing its deep financial roots and talent pool that spans traditional and decentralized finance (TradFi and DeFi). For crypto builders and investors, Hong Kong offers unparalleled access to skilled professionals, many with over a century of collective experience in the financial sector. This unique combination of heritage and innovation sets the city apart.

Comparing global crypto markets, Yeung highlights Asia’s growth potential. In 2024, five of the top ten countries for crypto adoption were in Asia, underscoring the region’s youth-driven, crypto-native culture. While the U.S. remains influential in setting regulatory trends, particularly under the new Trump administration, Asia’s user base promises exponential growth.

China’s stance on crypto remains complex. While the government officially restricts activities like mining and speculation, Hong Kong’s pro-crypto policies signal potential shifts in the broader region. Yeung notes China’s vast pool of retail investors, holding trillions in savings, as a latent force that could drive the crypto market when conditions align.

As a seed investor in Solana, Yeung remains a steadfast supporter. Her admiration extends to the platform’s technological advancements and its strong developer community. She is particularly excited about the involvement of traditional finance giants like Fidelity, Citi, and PayPal in Solana’s ecosystem, which she sees as validation of blockchain’s readiness for mass adoption.

Looking ahead, Yeung is investing in infrastructure-focused companies like Huma Finance, a leader in stablecoin transactions on Solana. She believes long-term builders will thrive regardless of market cycles.

Her bold prediction for 2025? The establishment of a U.S. Bitcoin Reserve. With the U.S. already holding over 207,000 bitcoins, such a move could drive prices higher and prompt other nations to follow suit. Yeung views this as a pivotal moment for Bitcoin and global crypto adoption.

As Yeung prepares to take the stage at Consensus Hong Kong, she’s eager to discuss the region’s evolving crypto landscape, China’s nuanced relationship with digital assets, and the promising future of platforms like Solana. For her, the future is bright, and Hong Kong is poised to lead the charge.