Luno enhances its digital asset offering with the introduction of Algorand and NEAR Protocol, marking a significant expansion for crypto investors in Malaysia.
In a move set to bolster Malaysia’s burgeoning digital asset market, Luno, the country’s leading regulated cryptocurrency exchange, has announced the inclusion of two new digital assets: Algorand (ALGO) and NEAR Protocol (NEAR). This addition brings Luno’s total number of listed assets in Malaysia to 20, offering crypto enthusiasts and investors a broader range of options in their portfolios.
The launch of these two coins is especially significant, as they are the first batch of digital assets approved by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) for 2025. It represents a major step forward in the growth of regulated digital asset offerings in the country. Both Algorand and NEAR Protocol are expected to attract interest due to their innovative features, which set them apart in the increasingly competitive cryptocurrency landscape.
Algorand is known for its eco-friendly blockchain technology, designed to facilitate fast, low-cost transactions while supporting scalable, decentralized applications (dApps). Its focus on creating a sustainable, borderless digital economy aligns with the growing demand for blockchain technologies that prioritize environmental considerations.
On the other hand, NEAR Protocol offers a highly scalable blockchain solution, with a focus on low-cost transactions and a high throughput that enhances the development of user-friendly decentralized applications. Both platforms are committed to decentralization and sustainability, making them attractive options for investors seeking innovative, future-proof digital assets.
Scarlett Chai, Luno’s country manager for Malaysia, highlighted the company’s growth in the digital asset space. “In 2024, Luno led the approval of seven digital assets with the Securities Commission Malaysia. We aim to double that this year, starting with these two digital assets. The team is actively engaging the regulator to launch new digital assets expeditiously,” Chai said.
The addition of ALGO and NEAR expands Luno’s offering, giving Malaysian investors more ways to diversify their portfolios securely and with confidence. Chai further emphasized the importance of this expansion, noting that the milestone of surpassing one million customers has strengthened Luno’s position as Malaysia’s leading regulated digital asset exchange.
In addition to the new coin listings, Luno is enhancing its Staking feature to include NEAR Protocol in the coming weeks. This addition will allow users to earn up to seven percent per annum in passive rewards, paid out daily. “Our recent staking launch of Polkadot and the upcoming NEAR Protocol reaffirm Luno’s commitment to growing Malaysia’s digital asset landscape by not only making digital asset investments a safe and accessible option, but also being innovative by enabling our customers to grow their holdings,” Chai added.
Luno continues to be the only regulated digital asset exchange in Malaysia, offering staking services for major cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, and, soon, NEAR Protocol. The exchange ensures that all new digital assets undergo a rigorous screening process, considering technical, regulatory, and legal criteria to ensure they meet the highest standards for investment.
As the digital asset market continues to evolve, Luno’s latest expansions demonstrate its ongoing commitment to providing Malaysians with secure, regulated, and innovative investment opportunities in the cryptocurrency space.
