Amber: The Rise of a Singapore-Based Crypto Powerhouse

·

Amber, a leading Singapore-based cryptocurrency platform, has emerged as a pivotal player in the digital asset ecosystem since its founding in 2018. Built by a team of former Morgan Stanley traders, the company has evolved from a niche trading desk into a globally recognized institution offering both institutional-grade trading services and retail digital wealth management solutions. With a strategic focus on compliance, technological innovation, and sustainable growth, Amber achieved a major milestone in 2025 by becoming the first Singaporean crypto firm to list on the Nasdaq through a SPAC merger.

This article explores Amber’s journey, business model, regulatory posture, and forward-looking strategy—highlighting how it has navigated market volatility while positioning itself at the forefront of blockchain innovation.

Founding Vision and Leadership

Amber was founded in 2018 by five former Morgan Stanley traders who sought to bridge traditional finance with the rapidly evolving world of digital assets. Their deep understanding of global markets, risk management, and high-frequency trading gave them a competitive edge in building a robust, scalable crypto trading infrastructure.

Rooted in Singapore—a global hub for fintech innovation—the team leveraged their financial expertise to create a platform that prioritizes security, efficiency, and institutional rigor. This foundation enabled Amber to quickly gain trust among professional investors and high-net-worth individuals navigating the complexities of cryptocurrency markets.

👉 Discover how top-tier trading strategies are transforming digital finance today.

Business Architecture: Dual Focus on Institutions and Retail

Amber operates a dual-track business model designed to serve both institutional clients and retail investors with tailored solutions.

Institutional Services

The backbone of Amber’s operations is its institutional trading arm, which offers customized execution strategies, liquidity provisioning, and advanced risk management tools. By 2025, the firm managed $1.28 billion in assets for institutional clients during the first quarter alone—reflecting strong demand for reliable, compliant crypto trading infrastructure.

These services cater to hedge funds, family offices, and asset managers seeking seamless access to spot, derivatives, and OTC markets across multiple blockchains and exchanges.

Retail Digital Wealth Management

On the consumer side, Amber launched Amber App, a user-friendly digital wealth platform that attracted over 25,000 users within three months of release in 2021. The app facilitated more than $680 million in financial product transactions during its early phase.

Additionally, the WhaleFin Club initiative boosted private wealth engagement in 2022, offering exclusive investment opportunities and personalized portfolio advisory services. These efforts helped retail contribute significantly to overall revenue streams even amid broader market downturns.

Technological Innovation and Security Standards

Amber integrates artificial intelligence with blockchain technology to optimize trade execution, detect anomalies, and enhance portfolio performance. Its proprietary trading algorithms analyze vast datasets in real time, enabling superior price discovery and reduced slippage.

Security remains a top priority. In 2022, Amber achieved SOC 2 Type II certification, a rigorous benchmark for data protection and operational controls. Furthermore, the company maintains an insurance policy covering digital wallets exceeding $100 million, reinforcing investor confidence in asset custody practices.

👉 Explore secure and intelligent platforms powering next-generation crypto investments.

Funding Journey and Capital Strategy

Amber’s growth has been fueled by strategic fundraising and disciplined capital allocation:

This capital strategy reflects a long-term vision: investing in foundational technologies that connect traditional assets with decentralized finance.

Regulatory Compliance and Global Licensing

Compliance is central to Amber’s operational philosophy. As of mid-2022, the company held 12 regulatory licenses across key jurisdictions including:

To strengthen its foothold in Southeast Asia, Amber acquired a licensed entity in Singapore in 2022—enhancing its ability to offer regulated services in the region. This multi-jurisdictional licensing framework allows Amber to operate legally across major financial markets while adhering to AML/KYC standards and investor protection protocols.

Strategic Adaptations Amid Market Cycles

Like many crypto firms, Amber faced headwinds during the 2022 market downturn. In response, it implemented proactive cost optimization measures:

Despite these cuts, the company remained profitable. In Q1 2025, wealth management accounted for 66% of total revenue ($9.92 million)—a testament to the resilience of its core business lines.

Post-listing, Amber shifted strategic focus toward institutional clients and long-term value creation. The company aims to expand its RWA tokenization platform, enabling real estate, bonds, and private equity to be represented and traded on-chain—bridging traditional finance with Web3.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Amber’s primary business model?
A: Amber operates a dual business model offering institutional trading services and retail digital asset management through products like Amber App and WhaleFin Club.

Q: Is Amber publicly traded?
A: Yes. Amber became publicly listed on the Nasdaq in March 2025 via a SPAC merger, making it the first Singapore-based crypto company to do so.

Q: How many regulatory licenses does Amber hold?
A: As of mid-2022, Amber held 12 regulatory licenses across major financial jurisdictions including Hong Kong, the U.S., U.K., and Japan.

Q: What role does AI play in Amber’s operations?
A: Artificial intelligence powers trade execution algorithms, risk modeling, and portfolio optimization—enabling faster decisions and improved returns.

Q: What are RWA and AgentFi, and why is Amber investing in them?
A: RWA refers to tokenizing real-world assets like property or bonds onto blockchains. AgentFi involves AI-driven autonomous financial agents. Amber sees these as transformative trends linking traditional finance with decentralized systems.

Q: Did Amber undergo layoffs?
A: Yes. In late 2022 and again in 2025, Amber adjusted staffing levels due to market conditions and structural optimization following its IPO.

👉 See how innovative platforms are shaping the future of tokenized real-world assets.

Core Keywords

Amber’s evolution exemplifies how disciplined leadership, regulatory foresight, and technological sophistication can drive sustainable success in the volatile crypto landscape. As it continues to expand its footprint in institutional finance and next-generation blockchain applications, Amber stands poised to shape the future of digital asset ecosystems worldwide.