Taiwan Mobile: Everyone can directly purchase cryptocurrencies through its exchange

Telecom giant Taiwan Mobile announced on January 5, 2026, that its virtual asset trading platform TWEX will be fully open to all members of the public, no longer limited to its existing telecom service users. This move not only symbolizes the official arrival of the “全民化” (全民化) era of cryptocurrency investment but also provides a legitimate channel endorsed by large enterprises, emphasizing security and trustworthiness. However, just before this positive news was announced, a robbery case in Pingtung starkly revealed the potential risks in the gray areas of cryptocurrency trading. In contrast, this highlights the necessity and urgency of legitimate, compliant trading platforms.

Legitimate Channel Expansion

According to information released by Taiwan Mobile, the opening of this service is of epoch-making significance. In the past, many interested in cryptocurrencies might have been deterred by complex procedures, doubts about platform credibility, or high entry barriers. Now, TWEX has directly integrated into the “Taiwan Mobile App” and “Fubon Securities AIPRO App,” providing users with extremely convenient access.

The biggest highlight of this initiative is its inclusiveness. First, the investment threshold has been significantly lowered to just NT$100, allowing even small investors or first-time users to easily step into the virtual asset world and purchase mainstream cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Second, the service is accessible to all citizens; any natural person user, regardless of whether they are Taiwan Mobile telecom customers, can quickly start trading after downloading the app, completing identity verification (KYC), and linking a bank account. This is undoubtedly a key step in moving cryptocurrencies from the domain of a few tech enthusiasts or professional investors to a broader mass market.

Taiwan Mobile General Manager and Fubon Digital (TWEX operating entity) Chairman Lin Zhi Chen pointed out in a statement the core pain point of the market: the public has a strong interest in participating in virtual assets but struggles to find a “trustworthy platform.” Taiwan Mobile hopes to leverage its long-standing security expertise and brand reputation in the telecom industry to create an environment where users can trade with peace of mind. This strategy, supported fully by group resources and emphasizing legality and compliance, aims to inject stability into the chaotic market.

Additionally, Han Kunju, Vice President of Taiwan Mobile Web3 Business, mentioned that since TWEX’s launch, the number of users has continued to grow steadily, with nearly 50% of users being over 40 years old. This data is highly significant, demonstrating that legitimate platforms have successfully “broken the circle” and attracted more mature, stable investors who might have previously hesitated due to risk concerns. It also proves that when the market provides a safe and user-friendly environment, acceptance of cryptocurrencies will far exceed expectations.

Gray Area Warning

However, alongside the increasing popularity of legitimate channels, unregulated over-the-counter (OTC) transactions still frequently lead to criminal incidents, casting a shadow over the widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies.

At the end of 2025, a woman surnamed Ye met a seller claiming to be a “coin trader” through online dating. The two agreed to conduct the transaction face-to-face with cash. Ms. Ye prepared NT$180,000, hoping to exchange it for equivalent cryptocurrencies. However, when she met the other party at Pingtung Train Station, the so-called coin trader suddenly robbed her of all the cash in broad daylight and fled.

This incident highlights the extremely high risks of private face-to-face cash transactions for cryptocurrencies. In this mode, there is no third-party guarantee, relying entirely on mutual trust, which is particularly fragile in the anonymous online world. Victims may face not only financial loss but also threats to personal safety. Fortunately, with cooperation between railway police and local law enforcement, a task force was quickly established, and within days, three suspects, including a minor, were arrested based on investigative leads. The case was transferred for prosecution on charges of robbery.

Embracing Innovation and Security

By comparing the full opening of TWEX with the Pingtung face-to-face robbery case, it becomes clear that there are two extreme aspects of Taiwan’s cryptocurrency market development. On one side are large institutions like Taiwan Mobile and Fubon Securities, striving to incorporate virtual assets into a compliant, transparent, and secure financial system; on the other side are still active high-risk private transactions operating in the shadows.

In summary, as the market matures, we have reason to believe that convenient and secure legitimate channels will gradually become mainstream, while risky private transactions will be exposed under the sunlight. The future of cryptocurrencies depends not only on technological innovation but also on the establishment of a healthy, trustworthy ecosystem.