Hong Kong is eyeing its position as a virtual asset hub, with leading crypto exchange Huobi playing an instrumental role in the ongoing expansion. The platform’s recent announcement sheds light on the launch of spot trading and virtual asset custodial services extended by its Hong Kong subsidiary. Aspiring to become the region’s leading virtual asset platform, Huobi HK remains positive about its license approval from the Hong Kong Securities Regulatory Commission.
Huobi HK has outlined a meticulous strategy to secure its dominance in the Hong Kong virtual asset ecosystem. Over the next six months, the platform will engage with independent auditors to scrutinize financial statements, analyze business processes, and bolster operational efficiencies. It will also concentrate on enhancing security, addressing anti-money laundering measures, and ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements in the Hong Kong market. This focus on robust security will accentuate customer trust in the platform and streamline business operations.
Hong Kong’s quest to establish itself as a crypto-friendly environment has resulted in the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) recently concluding consultations on crypto trading platform operators’ regulations. The initiative, which began in February 2023, will see the proposed guidelines implemented on June 1, 2023. Despite some respondents voicing concerns about the costs of obtaining and maintaining licenses, retail investors are expected to gain access to licensed platforms for digital currency trading in the second half of 2023.
However, the market’s overall receptivity to these changes has been far from ideal. With most existing exchanges not yet operating under SFC oversight, the regulator emphasizes the need for these platforms to comply with the new regulations or face the possibility of discontinuing their operations in Hong Kong. This has raised concerns about the feasibility of running a profitable business in a relatively small market.
On the bright side, top exchanges like Huobi, OKX, and Bybit remain undeterred in their Hong Kong expansion efforts. Huobi’s latest announcement reaffirms the platform’s readiness by revealing its application submission for the necessary license. The success of these top exchanges could potentially encourage other platforms to follow suit, leading to a more comprehensive and regulated virtual asset market in Hong Kong.
Source: Cryptonews
