Inside the Mind of Huobi’s COO Zhu Jiawei: A 6-Year Journey in Blockchain Excellence

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The cryptocurrency industry has evolved dramatically since its inception, and few have witnessed its transformation as closely as Zhu Jiawei, COO of Huobi. With over six years at the forefront of one of the world’s most influential blockchain ecosystems, Zhu has played a pivotal role in shaping Huobi’s secure, stable, and rapid growth. As the exchange celebrates its 7th anniversary, Cointelegraph sat down with Zhu to explore his vision, strategies, and insights into blockchain’s future.

From pioneering digital asset trading to expanding into DeFi, education, enterprise solutions, and global compliance, Huobi has evolved far beyond a simple exchange. This article unpacks Zhu Jiawei’s operational philosophy, Huobi’s strategic expansions, and the long-term value blockchain brings to both institutions and individuals.

The Evolution of Huobi: From Exchange to Full-Stack Blockchain Ecosystem

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Huobi began in 2013 as a digital asset trading platform but has since transformed into a comprehensive blockchain ecosystem. Under Zhu Jiawei’s operational leadership, Huobi now spans multiple domains:

This diversified structure allows Huobi to influence not only trading but also research, talent development, and real-world blockchain applications.

Advancing Blockchain Education: Bridging Knowledge Gaps

Blockchain literacy remains a critical bottleneck for mainstream adoption. Recognizing this, Huobi University has built a multi-layered educational framework:

These initiatives reflect Huobi’s commitment to being more than a service provider — it aims to be an industry educator and standard-setter.

Driving Innovation: Futures Trading and DeFi Integration

Huobi Futures achieved remarkable liquidity shortly after launch. According to Zhu, success was no accident.

“It took over a year of preparation — product design, risk control architecture, technical optimization — all before going live,” he explained. “Contract trading is complex, requiring deep expertise in finance, technology, and risk management.”

Three key factors fueled its rise:

  1. Preparation: Heavy investment in R&D and risk systems.
  2. Integration: Leveraging Huobi Group’s resources and user base.
  3. Timing: Capitalizing on rising institutional interest in derivatives.

Similarly, Huobi’s integration with Chainlink marked a milestone in DeFi collaboration. By becoming the first exchange to run a Chainlink node, Huobi began supplying verified price data from its global market to decentralized applications.

“This connects centralized market depth with DeFi innovation,” Zhu noted. “Our data enhances DeFi reliability, while participation validates our role in building open financial infrastructure.”

Global Compliance: HT’s Listing in Japan and Institutional Trust

In June, HT — Huobi Token — received approval from Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) and launched on Huobi Japan. This made HT the 26th legally recognized digital asset in Japan and quickly propelled it to 7th place in market capitalization among local listings.

Japan, home to over 6 million crypto investors, was the first country to regulate exchanges via licensing. HT’s approval signals strong regulatory trust in Huobi’s compliance standards.

“It’s a milestone in our global compliance strategy,” Zhu said. “We’re already licensed in Japan, Thailand, Gibraltar, and other jurisdictions — deeper than any other crypto firm.”

For users, especially institutional clients, this means enhanced legitimacy and safer access to digital assets.

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Security and Institutional Services: Building Trust Through Custody

Security remains paramount. Over six years, Huobi has maintained a clean record — a testament to its rigorous protocols.

To meet growing demand for secure asset management, Huobi launched professional custody services tailored for institutions. Unlike informal storage methods, this offering acts as a “trust intermediary,” combining advanced security tech with regulatory alignment.

“We’re changing how institutions engage with crypto — from risky experiments to structured partnerships,” Zhu emphasized.

While Hong Kong licensing efforts are underway, Huobi plans to disclose further global regulatory progress gradually — ensuring transparency without compromising strategy.

Real-World Blockchain Applications: Beyond Speculation

While trading grabs headlines, Huobi is actively pushing blockchain into practical use cases:

Despite early progress, Zhu remains cautious: “We’re still in experimental stages. Mass adoption carries risks — we must move carefully.”

Huobi also contributes to standardization, participating in 8 IEEE blockchain standards and advising on FATF anti-money laundering guidelines, reinforcing its role as an industry architect.

HT Tokenomics: Sustainable Value Through Deflation

Last year alone, Huobi burned $206 million worth of HT — the highest among major exchanges. With current burn rates, the total supply could be fully reduced in just 5.89 years.

“This means HT is now in a definitive deflationary cycle,” Zhu stated. “Every burn increases scarcity — and potentially value — if demand grows.”

While future prices can’t be guaranteed, consistent utility (fee discounts, governance rights) and buybacks ensure HT remains integral to Huobi’s ecosystem.

The Future of DeFi and Data Platforms

On DeFi, Zhu is optimistic but measured.

“DeFi could revolutionize finance — but it’s still earlier than early,” he cautioned. “It needs time, testing, and resilience.”

Though Huobi hasn’t listed every DeFi token like COMP, it evaluates each based on strict criteria — security, utility, team transparency — rather than hype.

Regarding data platforms? Yes — there are plans.

“We see data as part of our ecosystem flow,” Zhu revealed. “But real competitive advantage isn’t just traffic — it’s user retention and service quality.”

Why Stay in Crypto? Purpose Over Profit

After seven years in a volatile 24/7 industry (“a day in crypto feels like a year”), what keeps Zhu going?

“Two words: gratitude,” he said.

Gratitude for:

  1. The era – Being part of a transformative technological wave.
  2. Huobi – A platform that nurtured his growth from beginner to leader.

“True believers stay because they see blockchain changing how value moves globally,” Zhu added. “We’re not just chasing profits — we’re helping build a new financial foundation.”

FAQ

Q: What makes Huobi different from other exchanges?
A: Huobi combines trading excellence with deep investments in research, education, enterprise solutions, and global compliance — creating a full-stack blockchain ecosystem.

Q: Is HT a good long-term investment?
A: HT operates under a deflationary model with regular buybacks and burns. Its utility across Huobi services supports ongoing demand — though all investments carry risk.

Q: How does Huobi ensure user security?
A: Through military-grade cold wallet systems, multi-signature controls, insurance funds, and institutional custody services compliant with international standards.

Q: Does Huobi offer blockchain courses for beginners?
A: Yes — via Huobi University, which provides free introductory courses alongside advanced programs for professionals and enterprises.

Q: Can enterprises use Huobi’s blockchain solutions?
A: Absolutely. Lianhuo BaaS enables quick deployment of private or consortium chains for supply chain, finance, IP management, and more.

Q: Is Huobi expanding into Western markets?
A: Yes — through compliant entities like Huobi Japan and ongoing licensing efforts in regions including Hong Kong and Europe.

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Core Keywords

Huobi’s journey reflects the broader maturation of the crypto industry — from speculation toward utility, regulation, and real-world impact. Under Zhu Jiawei’s guidance, the platform continues to balance innovation with responsibility — proving that sustainable growth in blockchain isn’t just possible; it’s already happening.