The recent trouble faced by the co-founders of the failed crypto hedge fund Three Arrow Capital, Su Zhu and Kyle Davies, raises critical questions about the importance of adhering to regulatory standards in the world of digital assets. The duo reportedly failed to acquire the required local operating license before promoting their new digital-asset exchange, OPNX, in Dubai.
According to a Bloomberg report, Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) sent a written notice to Zhu, Davies, and two other OPNX executives for allegedly violating local regulations. VARA claimed that the OPNX team had been marketing the exchange on social media platforms without adequate restrictions for Dubai residents. The regulator first discovered OPNX in February through its advertisements that seemingly targeted customers before launching the exchange.
The VARA’s dispute with OPNX raises concerns about the company’s lack of regulatory compliance. The exchange already received two cease-and-desist notices in February and March, which it reportedly ignored. As a result, VARA issued an “investor and marketplace alert” against the exchange just days after its launch on April 4.
The ongoing OPNX saga highlights the significance of regulatory oversight in the booming crypto market. The launching of an exchange without obtaining proper licenses risks unexpectedly shutting down, causing considerable inconvenience and losses to investors. Non-compliance with the rules can also hamper the growth of the industry as a whole, which would further complicate the process of attracting more supporters and promoting the adoption of new technologies.
On the other hand, some may argue that the stringent regulations imposed by authorities might stifle innovation and hinder the progress of digital assets. For instance, excessive scrutiny may discourage potential entrepreneurs from entering the market or even cause existing players to relocate their businesses to more crypto-friendly jurisdictions.
However, the negative impacts of non-compliance and regulatory violations on investors’ trust and confidence in the market cannot be overstated. Moreover, ignoring the regulators’ warnings and notices only serve to heighten skepticism surrounding the industry.
As for the former Three Arrow Capital founders, their association with the troubled OPNX has not helped in fundraising efforts. On April 24, OPNX chief Leslie Lamb expressed her frustration on Twitter, revealing that several venture capital firms had backed out of the project. While Zhu and Davies have distanced themselves from OPNX’s day-to-day operations, their reputations continue to be intertwined with the exchange’s fate.
In conclusion, the OPNX case serves as a potent reminder of the importance of adhering to regulatory standards and obtaining the necessary licenses before operating and promoting digital asset exchanges. As the crypto market further evolves and matures, respecting these rules is crucial to building trust and ensuring the industry’s continued growth.
Source: Cointelegraph
