In the fast-paced world of crypto, where trends can shift overnight, a recent thread on X (formerly Twitter) by Eugene (@eugenegeu) has sparked discussions about the rising dominance of Asian crypto ecosystems. Quoting a detailed opinion piece from Kyle (@0xkyle__), Eugene highlights why tokens like BNB (Binance Coin) and MNT (Mantle) might be on the verge of a flourish, especially in the coming weeks. Let's break this down in simple terms and see what it means for investors and enthusiasts in the meme token and broader blockchain space.
Kyle's thread kicks off with a bold, unpopular opinion: everything in crypto boils down to "flows"—that's basically the net buying and selling pressure on a token. Positive flows mean more buyers than sellers, driving prices up, while negative flows (like token emissions or unlocks) push them down. He argues that traditional fundamentals, like project utility or earnings, are just tools to attract these flows. But in reality, most tokens have a natural downward pull because of constant selling from vested interests.
One key insight from Kyle is the divide between "Chinese coins" (or Asian-aligned tokens) and "Western coins." He points out that tokens like BNB and MNT are tightly controlled by major exchanges—Binance for BNB and Bybit for MNT (Mantle is Bybit's Layer 2 ecosystem). These exchanges have no incentive to dump their tokens because it would damage their reputation. In contrast, many Western projects are backed by venture capitalists (VCs) who have a duty to sell when unlocks happen, creating massive sell pressure.
This incentive alignment is crucial. Kyle shares: "Whereas EVERY OTHER SINGLE TOKEN IN THE WORLD, has VCs, who have a FIDUCIARY MANDATE to sell." It's not about race or geography—it's about who owns the supply and their motivations. For traders looking for upside, tokens without heavy VC overhangs are more appealing.
Eugene builds on this, noting the current market dynamics. Asian retail investors are "flushed with money" after successes like Aster, a token with tokenomics that favor community and ecosystem growth over investors. Aster's allocation shows 0% to VCs, with over 50% going to airdrops and incentives— a structure that minimizes sell-offs and encourages holding.
He contrasts this with the West: onchain activity is sluggish, and VC-heavy projects are struggling to hit new all-time highs. "Western VC coins ain't doing too well either - 98% of the top projects are nowhere near ATH," Eugene says. Meanwhile, Chinese tokens have "masterminds" who know how to corner supply and pump prices, as seen with BNB, MNT, Aster, Cake, and Form.
A pivotal moment? The return of CZ (Changpeng Zhao), Binance's founder, in September 2024. Eugene calls it a "watershed moment," bringing back leadership and charisma to the ecosystem. With Asian exchanges hitting new highs and events like Token2049 showcasing wealth, the momentum seems strong.
But how does this tie into meme tokens? Kyle touches on it: memes surged because they actually went up, free from heavy emissions or VC dumps. However, scams and rugs diluted the space. Now, with capital scarce, tokens like those from Asian ecosystems—often with meme-like hype but backed by real exchange power—could attract flows. Think of Aster as a bridge: its community-focused design echoes successful memes, but with institutional backing.
For blockchain practitioners, this thread is a reminder to look beyond hype. Focus on tokenomics (how tokens are distributed and vested), ownership incentives, and market flows. If you're eyeing meme tokens, consider those with Asian roots or similar structures—they might offer better resilience against dumps.
In replies, users like @ahmadsefriii ask if MNT can follow BNB's path, and Eugene responds optimistically: "I think so ser, probably more upside for the next 2 months." It's early days, but the sentiment is bullish.
As always in crypto, this isn't financial advice—do your own research. But threads like this provide valuable insights into where the smart money might be heading. Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more on emerging trends in meme tokens and blockchain tech.