The story of BITGIN, a Taiwanese cryptocurrency exchange, is one of vision, resilience, and family partnership. Founded by a brother-sister duo, the platform aims to become a comprehensive gateway into the world of digital assets for users in Taiwan and beyond.
From Tech Background to Blockchain Pioneer
The journey began with Zhang Han-Lin, a graduate of National Taiwan University of Science and Technology’s Department of Computer Science. After a brief stint at an IC design company, he ventured into entrepreneurship. Although several early projects—including a music recommendation app and a news aggregation platform—didn’t succeed, they laid the groundwork for his future in tech.
It was during this period that Zhang first encountered Bitcoin. He used it to purchase software tools online, describing the experience as “cumbersome” but intriguing. Little did he know that this initial brush with cryptocurrency would eventually shape his career.
In 2017, Zhang received a life-changing call from a headhunter. PopPop, a well-known Taiwanese serial entrepreneur, was assembling a team to launch a new blockchain venture. Zhang was intrigued—not only by the project but also by the opportunity to learn from someone widely regarded as a “startup genius.”
He joined the founding team of Cobinhood, the world’s first zero-fee cryptocurrency exchange. As Chief Marketing Officer and later Chief Strategy Officer, Zhang gained deep exposure to blockchain technology, token launches, and market dynamics. Despite Cobinhood’s eventual closure due to internal disputes, the experience proved invaluable.
Identifying a Gap in the Market
After Cobinhood, Zhang explored other opportunities within the blockchain space, including a decentralized gaming platform. But it was his sister, Zhang Yu-Ting, who presented the idea that would eventually become BITGIN.
With experience as the Operations Director at digital asset manager Bincentive, Yu-Ting was well-versed in the crypto landscape. She identified a clear market gap: while Taiwan had several local exchanges, most users still preferred international platforms like Binance for liquidity and withdrawal.
The siblings realized that many Taiwanese traders were moving assets overseas due to pricing disparities, especially with Tether (USDT), and a lack of user-friendly local options. They saw an opportunity to build an exchange that was not only secure and compliant but also intuitive and accessible—especially for beginners.
After extensive research and meetings with investors, the brother-sister team officially launched BITGIN in June 2021.
Three Core Advantages of BITGIN
BITGIN was designed with a clear focus on user experience, affordability, and functionality. Here are the three pillars that set it apart:
1. User-Friendly Interface
Many crypto trading platforms are built for advanced users, with complex charts, terminology, and navigation. BITGIN simplifies the experience with a clean, intuitive interface that allows even complete beginners to buy, sell, and manage cryptocurrencies with ease.
2. Competitive Stablecoin Pricing
Tether (USDT) is often the first cryptocurrency new users purchase. BITGIN offers USDT at rates closely aligned with the actual U.S. dollar exchange rate, minimizing hidden fees and markup. This transparency helps build trust and reduces barriers to entry.
3. Deep Liquidity and Integrated Tools
Liquidity is critical for any exchange. BITGIN ensures that users can execute trades quickly and at fair prices. Beyond trading, the platform is evolving into a comprehensive ecosystem where users can lend assets, participate in initial exchange offerings (IEOs), and even manage external wallet accounts—all from a single dashboard.
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More Than an Exchange: A One-Stop Crypto Solution
Zhang Han-Lin believes that the true potential of a crypto exchange lies beyond mere trading. He envisions BITGIN as a one-stop platform where users can access a full suite of financial services:
- Crypto lending and borrowing
- NFT marketplaces
- Staking and yield farming
- Portfolio tracking and management
By integrating these services, BITGIN reduces the need for users to juggle multiple accounts and platforms. This integrated approach is especially appealing to newcomers who may find the crypto space overwhelming.
In just four months after launch, BITGIN reached a trading volume of NT$400 million—a promising start for the young exchange.
Regulatory Compliance and Security
BITGIN operates in full compliance with Taiwan’s financial regulations. The exchange has implemented strict know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. Additionally, it has partnered with KGI Bank to provide full custody and trust services for Taiwanese dollar deposits, ensuring that user funds are secure and protected.
This commitment to regulation and security reflects a growing trend in the crypto industry toward greater legitimacy and user protection.
The Brother-Sister Dynamic
Working with family can be challenging, but for Han-Lin and Yu-Ting, it’s a strength. “Having her on board makes me feel more confident,” says Han-Lin. The two bring complementary skills to the table—Han-Lin with his technical and strategic background, and Yu-Ting with her operational expertise.
The team also includes former colleagues from Cobinhood, creating a culture of trust and shared experience. Despite the competitive landscape, the group is united by a common goal: to make cryptocurrency accessible to everyone.
The Future of Crypto in Taiwan
Zhang Han-Lin sees cryptocurrency as one of the most transformative inventions of our time. It democratizes access to financial services that were once available only to institutions or high-net-worth individuals. Through crypto lending, anyone can become a lender; through ICOs and IEOs, anyone can invest in early-stage projects.
BITGIN is more than a business—it’s part of a broader movement toward financial inclusion and innovation. As the platform continues to grow, the team remains committed to education, security, and simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BITGIN?
BITGIN is a Taiwan-based cryptocurrency exchange focused on user experience, compliance, and full-service digital asset management. It aims to be a gateway for new users entering the crypto market.
How is BITGIN different from other exchanges?
BITGIN offers a simplified user interface, competitive stablecoin pricing, and a growing suite of integrated financial tools. It is also one of the few exchanges founded and operated by a sibling team.
Is BITGIN regulated?
Yes. BITGIN complies with Taiwan’s financial regulations, including KYC and AML requirements. It also partners with KGI Bank for secure custody of user funds.
What cryptocurrencies can I trade on BITGIN?
BITGIN supports major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT. The platform continues to add new tokens based on user demand and regulatory approval.
Can I earn interest on my crypto holdings?
Yes, BITGIN offers lending and staking services that allow users to earn interest on their digital assets. These features are integrated directly into the platform.
How does BITGIN ensure security?
BITGIN uses industry-standard encryption, multi-signature wallets, and banking-grade custody solutions. User assets are protected through a partnership with KGI Bank.
Cryptocurrency is reshaping the financial landscape, and platforms like BITGIN are at the forefront of this change. By focusing on user needs, regulatory compliance, and technological integration, the exchange is poised to play a significant role in the adoption of digital assets in Taiwan and beyond.
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