Crypto M&A Heats Up Amid US Policy Thaw
Australian crypto broker Swyftx has snapped up New Zealand’s Easy Crypto, with CEO Jason Titman pointing to favorable US policy momentum under the Donald Trump administration as a driver of the acquisition.
Titman stated on March 19 that “Trump’s policy messaging around crypto is a tailwind” to this acquisition. He explained to Cointelegraph that while the acquisition was already in process, impending regulatory clarity in the US should provide liquidity and encourage other governments to follow suit.
“Everyone’s so focused on tariffs that they’re overlooking the argument that good things are happening for crypto,” Titman added.
A New Dawn for Crypto Mergers & Acquisitions
Since Trump took office, the US has seen pro-crypto figures appointed to key regulatory positions, leading to a more favorable industry landscape. Titman said the crypto industry has been through a prolonged period of hibernation in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) due to regulatory uncertainty.
“Many crypto CEOs were unwilling to take the regulatory risk seen during the Biden administration,” he said. “This hesitation extended to other markets where regulators lacked clear legislation supporting blockchain and digital assets.”
However, with recent policy shifts, Titman predicts an uptick in crypto M&A activity. “Political administrations come and go, but rules have a longer shelf life. That certainty is crucial for businesses making long-term investments.”
What the Acquisition Means for the Crypto Market
Swyftx and Easy Crypto will continue to operate independently following the acquisition, which was completed on March 31. The combined company will have nearly 200 employees and be headquartered in Brisbane, Australia.
Easy Crypto CEO Janine Grainger said the acquisition was a “natural fit,” positioning the newly combined firm as a market leader in the Australasian crypto market.
“The crypto market has matured significantly over the past four years, leading to consolidation and the emergence of strong regional and global players,” she stated.
Crypto Adoption on the Rise in Australia & New Zealand
A Swyftx survey from 2024 determined that 3.9 million Australians hold cryptocurrency, down from 4.5 million in 2023. In contrast, a study by Web3 consumer company Protocol Theory, in collaboration with Easy Crypto, estimates that close to 50% of New Zealand’s population has owned, currently owns, or is looking to invest in crypto.
To put that into perspective, the US Federal Reserve approximates that about 18 million Americans own or utilize crypto.
Grainger emphasized New Zealand’s increasing support for the crypto industry, highlighting its role in driving economic growth.
“There is strong support for crypto locally. Nearly 50% of New Zealanders are engaged with crypto investments in some form,” she said. “Regulatory clarity will further build trust and drive adoption, as seen in other global markets.”
