AIFT and its digital asset insurance arm, OneInfinity by OneDegree, are set to open a Tokyo office in Q1 2025, as first reported by Nikkei Asia and confirmed by Alvin Kwock, Co-founder and CEO of AIFT, in written comments to (Re)in Asia.
The group aims to capitalise on heightened interest and potential digital asset-friendly policies from the administration of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. Following Trump’s victory in November, the price of Bitcoin soared to over US$100k.
Kwock told Nikkei Asia that competition in the international crypto market would likely rise since the U.S. had not been very active in the segment over the last two years. “Now the U.S. is definitely going to be participating,” he said.
Kwock also cited the Bitcoin leak at Tokyo-based exchange DMM Bitcoin last May as an event that raised Japanese regulators’ awareness of the importance of protecting digital asset investors.
AI regulations
Kwock said the changing regulatory stance as well as Japan’s growing focus on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as key drivers of AIFT’s expansion. “In Japan, AI is something extremely important and is going to substantially increase productivity. It will help with the ageing population,” he told Nikkei Asia.
In written comments to (Re)in Asia, Kwock added to this, outlining the rapid pace of regulations around AI. “Regulation for AI is advancing at a much faster pace than what we’ve witnessed in blockchain and crypto. With data security becoming a massive concern, cybersecurity solutions paired with cyber insurance for AI will be critical,” he said.
Established in 2016, the group, which rebranded from OneDegree Group to AIFT in October last year, has been expanding quickly and now has workforce of 200, primarily operating in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.
According to the business, the group has a 70% share of virtual asset insurance in Asia, from clients ranging from wallet service providers and exchanges to asset managers.
Alongside a Tokyo office, AIFT has also set plans for a research center in Fukuoka.
“As the digital landscape evolves, securing sensitive data and building trust in emerging technologies like AI and blockchain will remain at the core of our mission,” Kwock told (Re)in Asia.
