In this exclusive interview, BitMart’s newly appointed CEO, Nenter (Nathan) Chow, shares the key factors behind his transition from traditional finance to Web3, and how his background strengthens BitMart’s core competitiveness. He also outlines the platform’s strategic plans in technological innovation, global market expansion, and community building, while offering insights into emerging trends at the intersection of AI and blockchain.

1. With over 17 years of experience in traditional finance, what were the key factors that motivated your transition from traditional financial institutions to the Web3 space?

My transition from traditional finance to the Web3 space was driven by a profound belief in the transformative potential of decentralized technologies to reshape global financial systems. Having spent 17 years in investment banking at institutions like JP Morgan and Mitsubishi UFJ, I witnessed the strengths of traditional finance—its scale, structure, and institutional trust—but also its limitations, such as inefficiencies in cross-border transactions and barriers to financial inclusion. Web3, with its foundation in blockchain, offered a paradigm shift: a decentralized, transparent, and accessible framework that empowers individuals and communities worldwide.

The opportunity to bridge these worlds was particularly compelling. My experience in leveraged finance, M&A, and debt capital markets equipped me with a deep understanding of capital flows and institutional needs, which I saw as critical to scaling Web3 adoption. The dynamism of the Web3 ecosystem, coupled with its potential to democratize finance, inspired me to pivot. Joining Animoca Ventures allowed me to immerse myself in this space, forging connections with innovators and governments alike, and now, as BitMart’s Global CEO, I am committed to leveraging my expertise to build a platform that serves as a gateway to this new financial frontier.

2. As a former partner at Animoca Ventures, how has your investment experience influenced your strategic vision for BitMart's future development?

My tenure as a Partner at Animoca Ventures profoundly shaped my strategic vision for BitMart by emphasizing the importance of ecosystem-building, strategic partnerships, and global connectivity. At Animoca, I spearheaded global expansion and cultivated relationships with top project founders and investors, securing premium deal allocations—such as being one of the only Asian venture funds on Monad’s cap table. This experience underscored the value of bridging regional ecosystems, particularly between Asia and the West, to unlock unique opportunities.

For BitMart, I envision a platform that not only facilitates trading but also serves as a cornerstone of the Web3 ecosystem. My investment background informs a strategy focused on fostering innovation through strategic alliances, as seen in our partnerships with entities like Paxos and Banxa, and supporting emerging projects via our Launchpad. Additionally, my work with Web3 support and accelerator programs in the MENA region,  the power of collaborating with government entities and accelerators to drive adoption. I aim to position BitMart as a trusted partner for both institutional and retail users, combining cutting-edge technology with localized engagement to empower communities globally.

3. How would you define BitMart's positioning in today’s highly competitive exchange market? What are its core competitive advantages and differentiation strategies?

BitMart is uniquely positioned as a global, user-centric platform that bridges the gap between traditional finance and the decentralized future, serving over 10 million users across 200 regions. Our core competitive advantages lie in our robust security framework, technological innovation, and localized engagement. Security, as our founder Sheldon Xia emphasizes, is the foundation of our operations, with a multi-layered defense system including hybrid wallets, multi-signature technologies, and partnerships with firms like Fireblocks and Cobo. This ensures trust, critical in a market facing heightened scrutiny.

Our differentiation strategies center on empowering users and fostering community. The “Stake to Vote” mechanism, where users stake BMX tokens to influence token listings, transforms customers into stakeholders, a game-changer in user engagement. Additionally, our third-generation trading system, processing 80,000 orders per second with a 2-millisecond latency, sets an industry standard for speed and reliability. Unlike one-size-fits-all exchanges, BitMart supports 90 fiat currencies and 11 languages, ensuring local relevance in regions like the EU, MENA, and LATAM. By combining global reach with tailored experiences, BitMart stands out as a platform that is both innovative and inclusive.

4. In your view, what are BitMart’s most critical strategic goals for the next phase?

BitMart’s next phase is defined by three critical strategic goals: enhancing technological innovation, expanding global reach, and deepening community empowerment. First, we are prioritizing AI integration and blockchain convergence to redefine trading experiences, with plans to roll out smart analytics and automated tools in 2025, as highlighted by our founder. Second, we aim to strengthen our presence in both regulatory-mature markets like the EU and high-growth regions like MENA and LATAM, leveraging localized strategies and partnerships. Finally, we are committed to transforming users into active stakeholders through initiatives like our decentralized wallet strategy, set for launch in Q3 2025, and programs like “Stake to Vote.” These goals align with our mission to build a sustainable, inclusive crypto ecosystem that empowers users worldwide while maintaining our edge in security and innovation.

5. Could you elaborate on BitMart's latest global growth strategy, such as the "Slippage Protection Plan" and the "Global Community Partner Program"?

BitMart's latest global growth strategy reflects our commitment to empowering users and promoting community participation. The Slippage Protection Program, launched to address trading uncertainties, compensates users in USDT within one hour for slippage exceeding 0.05%, ensuring confidence in volatile markets. This initiative enhances our brand as a user-first platform, prioritizing transparency and reliability.

The Global Community Partner Program fosters decentralized engagement by empowering local ambassadors to host events, share insights, and shape platform development. By supporting nearly 100 offline events across Asia, Europe, and South Africa, we strengthen our global-local balance. These initiatives elevate BitMart’s brand as a trusted, innovative exchange that listens to its community, aligning with our vision of building a free and sustainable crypto ecosystem.

6. How does BitMart’s Slippage Protection Program differentiate itself from similar mechanisms in the market?

BitMart’s Slippage Protection Program stands out through its speed, transparency, and user-centric design. Unlike similar mechanisms that may involve complex processes or delayed resolutions, our program compensates users in USDT within one hour for slippage of 0.05% or more, ensuring immediate relief. This rapid response, combined with clear eligibility criteria, sets a new standard for trust in trading. Additionally, the program is seamlessly integrated into our third-generation trading system, leveraging its high throughput to monitor and address slippage in real-time. By prioritizing user confidence and operational efficiency, BitMart’s program differentiates itself as a proactive solution in a competitive market.

7. What were the key considerations and objectives behind launching the “Elite Trader Program”? How does BitMart attract and incentivize top traders?

The Elite Trader Program was launched to attract and empower top traders by offering industry-leading incentives and fostering a competitive, rewarding environment. Key considerations included addressing the needs of high-volume traders for enhanced profitability and recognition, while aligning with BitMart’s mission to drive innovation in trading. The program offers an impressive 50% share of follower's profit, positioning it among the most lucrative in the industry.

To attract top traders, we provide advanced tools like our third-generation trading system, which ensures ultra-low latency and high throughput, critical for professional trading. We also incentivize participation through exclusive benefits, such as access to premium market insights and personalized support. By combining cutting-edge technology with substantial financial rewards, the Elite Trader Program reinforces BitMart’s commitment to being the preferred platform for elite traders globally.

8. How does BitMart balance decentralized community building with maintaining a consistent brand image?

Balancing decentralized community building with a consistent brand image is a delicate but deliberate process at BitMart. Our Global Community Partner Program empowers local ambassadors to engage users through events and feedback loops, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusion. This decentralized approach ensures cultural relevance in diverse markets like MENA, LATAM, and the EU. To maintain brand consistency, we establish clear guidelines for ambassadors, emphasizing our core values of security, transparency, and innovation, as articulated by our founder.

Regular training, centralized communication channels, and branded assets ensure alignment with BitMart’s identity. For example, our “Stake to Vote” mechanism engages communities while reinforcing our user-centric brand. By combining localized empowerment with a unified vision, BitMart creates a cohesive global presence that resonates with users worldwide.

9. Drawing from your experience with the Web3 support and accelerator programs in the MENA region, how do you perceive the differences in Web3 ecosystem development across global regions?

My work with Web3 support and accelerator programs in the MENA region for example, revealed distinct regional dynamics in Web3 ecosystem development. In the MENA region, government-backed initiatives, such as those led , standards, and framework to ensure compliance, security, and interoperability. These efforts, exemplified by my collaboration on an investor workshop with Web3 support and accelerator programs in the MENA region, prioritize institutional integration and public-private partnerships, creating a fertile ground for Web3 innovation.

In contrast, regions like North America and Asia often rely on private sector innovation, with ecosystems built around venture capital and grassroots projects. My experience securing Animoca Ventures’ position on Monad’s cap table highlighted the competitive, deal-driven nature of the West, while Asia’s strength lies in its dense network of developers and users. For BitMart, these insights inform a tailored strategy: we can engage government entities in MENA for scalability, leverage VC networks in the West for deal flow, and tap Asia’s vibrant community for adoption, ensuring a balanced global approach.

10. What are your personal views on the convergence of AI and blockchain technology? Does BitMart have any related plans or initiatives in this space?

I view the convergence of AI and blockchain as a transformative force that will redefine finance by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and personalization. AI’s predictive capabilities, combined with blockchain’s decentralized trust, can streamline operations, improve risk management, and deliver tailored user experiences. As our founder noted, AI integration is a major focus for 2025, with potential to bridge digital assets and traditional finance.

BitMart is actively exploring this convergence, with plans to roll out AI-powered smart analytics, automated trading tools, and personalized investment strategies in 2025. Our BitMart Research report on AI agents underscores their role in enhancing DeFi and DAO applications, positioning AI as essential Web3 infrastructure. By investing in these technologies, BitMart aims to lead the industry in delivering intelligent, user-centric solutions that empower our global community.

11. How do you assess the current trends in the broader cryptocurrency market? Which industry developments are you most focused on in the coming year?

The cryptocurrency market in 2025 is marked by maturing regulatory frameworks, growing institutional adoption, and technological convergence. Stablecoins are gaining traction as mainstream payment mechanisms, as seen in our partnership with Paxos for the Global Dollar Network. Tokenization of real-world assets and metaverse integration are also unlocking new financial opportunities, aligning with BitMart’s vision of bridging digital and physical economies.

I am particularly focused on three developments: AI-blockchain integration, which promises smarter trading and governance; regulatory clarity in markets like the EU, enabling scalable operations; and the rise of meme-driven ecosystems, as highlighted by BitMart Research’s analysis of BNB Chain. BitMart is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends through our technological advancements, global expansion, and community-driven initiatives, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry.