B2C2 taps Schroders veteran to chase Asia’s growing crypto wealth

The appointment comes as traditional wealth managers and family offices in Asia take a growing interest in digital assets. Boston Consulting Group estimates total assets under management in the region will reach $99 trillion by 2029, with Singapore and Hong Kong among its key financial centers. Globally, roughly one-third of family offices already have exposure to cryptocurrencies, according to Goldman Sachs.

Asia growth

Asia is increasingly where crypto’s retail scale and institutional ambitions collide. APAC was the world’s fastest-growing region for onchain activity in the year through June 2025, with transaction volume surging 69% to $2.36 trillion, according to Chainalysis.

India led its global adoption rankings, while Singapore and Hong Kong are competing to establish themselves as regulated digital-asset hubs, making the region an increasingly important battleground for firms courting traditional financial institutions and wealthy investors.

“Asia's wealthiest families and managers are increasingly investing in digital assets,” Lai said in the press release. “B2C2 has the liquidity and execution infrastructure this client base needs.”

Lai's appointment follows a series of hires by B2C2 in Asia under APAC CEO David Rogers, including Laura Teo as Singapore country head.

B2C2 is 90% owned by Japan's SBI Holdings, and has become part of the financial group's broader push into digital assets.