Locate Technologies Poised to Become New zealand’s First Listed Bitcoin Treasury, appoints Easy Crypto Founder Janine Grainger to Board
Auckland, New Zealand – October 1, 2025 - Locate Technologies is charting a groundbreaking course for New Zealand’s financial landscape, preparing to transition its listing from the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) to the New Zealand Exchange (NZX) and establish itself as the nation’s first publicly traded bitcoin treasury firm. This ambitious move is bolstered by the appointment of Janine Grainger, co-founder of leading digital asset platform Easy Crypto, to its board of directors.
This development signals a significant maturation of the digital asset sector in New zealand, offering local investors a regulated pathway to gain exposure to bitcoin and innovative financial products backed by the cryptocurrency. It comes at a time of surging global interest in Bitcoin, driven by increasing institutional adoption and evolving regulatory clarity.
Janine Grainger: A Pioneer in New Zealand’s Crypto Ecosystem
Grainger’s appointment is a strategic coup for Locate Technologies. She is a highly respected figure in the New Zealand fintech scene, having spearheaded the growth of easy Crypto from its inception in 2018 to a platform serving over 350,000 customers and processing over NZD $4 billion in transactions. Easy Crypto’s success extends beyond New Zealand, with expansions into Australia and South Africa, culminating in a merger with Swyftx earlier this year.
Her commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by Easy Crypto’s launch of the New Zealand dollar stablecoin, NZDD, in 2023 – a pivotal step in bridging conventional finance with the digital asset world. Grainger’s influence extends beyond business; she actively contributes to shaping industry standards and fostering trust, participating in initiatives like APEC’s Digital Trust Advisory Group and the V20 virtual asset summit. her accolades include the ‘IBM Most Inspiring Individual Award’ at the 2023 Hi-Tech Awards and recognition as a women in Web3 Changemaker by the NEAR foundation. She also currently serves on the Executive Council for FinTechNZ.
Why a Bitcoin Treasury? Locate Technologies’ Vision for the Future
Locate Technologies’ decision to adopt a Bitcoin treasury model is inspired by the success of international firms like MicroStrategy, which currently holds approximately 640,000 BTC. MicroStrategy’s strategy has demonstrably amplified returns for investors, showcasing the potential of backing financial products with digital assets.
“Bitcoin momentum has reached a crescendo in 2025,” explains Grainger. “We’re seeing increasing levels of institutional and retail interest, coupled with regulators worldwide establishing clearer frameworks. Being an early mover positions Locate Technologies to provide New Zealand investors with a homegrown option at a time of peak interest.”
The company intends to leverage capital backed by Bitcoin to develop a range of financial products, including credit and debt instruments, and other investment vehicles accessible through the New Zealand debt market. Currently, such opportunities are largely confined to offshore markets, creating a barrier to entry for many New Zealand investors.
A Regulated and Trusted Pathway for Kiwi Investors
“This is an exciting opportunity to give Kiwis exposure to new digital currency products in a safe, regulated way,” Grainger stated. “Having pioneered crypto access through Easy Crypto, I’m excited to help shape continued innovation for NZ in the digital asset sector.”
Steve Orenstein, chief Executive of Locate Technologies, echoes this sentiment: “Janine is no stranger to being first. Through Easy Crypto, she built trust in the local crypto ecosystem and made it safe for Kiwis to invest in digital assets. That leadership and track record of innovation are exactly what we need as we launch our Bitcoin treasury product. We’re proud to be working towards giving local investors access to a listed, innovative financial opportunity – one that would otherwise only be available through offshore markets.”
The Benefits of a Localized Bitcoin Treasury
Grainger emphasizes the importance of a New Zealand-based solution. “Growing markets have multiple Bitcoin treasury firms – and now New Zealand will have its own. It makes sense to give Kiwis the choice to invest in a local option rather than an overseas one, notably when the NZX can provide that access in a regulated and trusted way.”
The Locate Technologies board has unanimously authorized this announcement, reaffirming its commitment to a long-term, high-conviction Bitcoin treasury strategy designed to build sustainable shareholder wealth. This move represents a significant step towards integrating digital assets into the mainstream New Zealand financial system, offering investors a new and possibly lucrative avenue for growth.
Key Takeaways:
* First of its Kind: Locate Technologies is set to become New Zealand’s first listed Bitcoin treasury firm.
* Strategic appointment: janine Grainger, co-founder of Easy Crypto, joins the board,
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