Search Results for: OSL

Hong Kong authorities detained 12 individuals linked to the JPEX cryptocurrency exchange scam, seizing $9.8 million in digital currency among other assets. The incident has thrown a spotlight on regulatory actions, raising concerns about the readiness of security and regulatory firms to tackle such scams, emphasising the importance of “transparent and clear” information from crypto firms to investors, and the need for robust security measures to protect users’ interests. Only two trading services in Hong Kong have successfully acquired the license to operate as retail cryptocurrency trading.

Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) plans to publish a list of cryptocurrency trading companies that have applied for operational licenses, bringing transparency to the industry. Nevertheless, this doesn’t guarantee rule conformity. This follows a major financial scam involving unlicensed cryptocurrency exchange JPEX which reportedly caused significant losses for investors. The SFC emphasizes strict governance measures including asset safety and market manipulation prevention to ensure investor protection.

OKX, a digital asset exchange, seeks to acquire a Virtual Asset Service Provider License (VASP) amid Hong Kong’s crypto-friendly environment. With full licenses already granted to HashKey and OSL, OKX intends to onboard 100,000 to 200,000 users in its initial year of trading services. The city’s progressive stance toward crypto could position it as a “test net” for mainland China following China’s total crypto ban.

SEBA Bank’s Hong Kong arm gained preliminary approval from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to operate virtual asset services. However, the future of the crypto ban in mainland China remains uncertain. This development presents significant opportunities in Hong Kong’s digital asset regulatory framework and potential access to the Chinese market.

“In Hong Kong, platforms HashKey and OSL have obtained licenses to offer Bitcoin and Ether retail trading. This marks a first for crypto exchanges in the area, albeit with restrictions on investment amounts. However, the lack of diverse investment products and potential compliance issues might inhibit the crypto industry’s growth. The necessity of regulations yet the need for market independence spark discussion on the future of crypto.”

UK’s High Court puts Bitcoin developers under scrutiny for ignoring Tulip Trading’s request to recover bitcoins lost to a supposed cybercrime. Developers argue the company’s claim of lost 111,000 bitcoins as fiction, alleging that proof documents are counterfeit. Meanwhile, Dr. Wright, associated with Tulip Trading, is accused of habitual dishonesty, forging documents, and fraud.

HKVAX, a Hong Kong-based Virtual Asset Exchange, has received ‘approval in principle’ from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to operate their asset trading platform under local securities laws. This includes providing a digital asset trading platform dealing with securities and delivering automated trading services to both institute investors and retail users. This approval comes as regulators form a new licensing system for virtual asset service providers to protect investors.

“Hong Kong has begun issuing licenses to crypto companies like OSL and HashKey under new rules, expanding the city’s crypto market past professional traders. Despite interest from over 80 companies, skepticism and the complexities of adequately addressing domains like non-fungible tokens and decentralized finance hinder significant financial commitment and decisive investments.”

Hong Kong’s SFC warned against unlicensed virtual asset trading platforms’ criminal activities. False licensing claims could incur serious legal repercussions. The legal regime requires crypto providers to maintain custody and comply with KYC, AML, and Terrorism Financing rules, ensuring safe digital asset trading for residents.

Hong Kong’s new virtual asset trading platform licensing regime could cost crypto platforms up to $20 million, potentially pushing smaller market players out of the race. However, it may benefit larger players like Hex Trust, which meet the required criteria. The regime is part of Hong Kong’s effort to become a digital asset hub, inviting global exchanges to apply for licenses. Critics, though, suggest the system’s complex requirements may be challenging.

“Hong Kong is striving to become a leading crypto hub, aiming to integrate its virtual asset platforms with Shanghai’s. As part of this development, they’ve established a robust regulatory framework for cryptocurrency exchanges, fostering an environment of diverse investment opportunities. This shift poses a likely harmonization between China’s cautious approach and Hong Kong’s liberal views on blockchain technology.”

HashKey, a crypto exchange, has become the first digital asset entity in Hong Kong to secure a license under the new cryptographic licensing regime. This allows the platform to serve not only professional investors but also retail users, allowing them to trade specific “large-cap tokens”. This progress places Hong Kong as a central player in digital transformation in Asia.

Hong Kong’s crypto trading landscape is changing as HashKey, a licensed exchange, begins offering services to non-institutional investors. Acquiring two licenses from the local Securities and Futures Commission, HashKey paves the way for retail and automated crypto trading services, aiming for increased transparency and improved investor confidence. However, the new advances underscore the need for careful regulation and safety measures in digital finance.

“Hong Kong is working towards becoming a crypto hub, but faces challenges such as difficulties for crypto companies in opening corporate bank accounts. Despite the slow pace of local regulatory organizations, efforts are being made to ease these obstacles with initiatives like Hong Kong Monetary Authority urging significant lenders to accept crypto exchanges as clients.”

Craig Wright, claiming to be Bitcoin’s creator, is set to argue his copyright case against several Bitcoin Core developers and companies, alleging violation of his Bitcoin copyright. This upcoming trial on this contested claim will test Wright’s assertion of being Satoshi Nakamoto. The final verdict, expected in early 2024, promises intriguing revelations.

“Craig Wright, who claims to be Bitcoin inventor, Satoshi Nakamoto, has earned the right to argue for Bitcoin file format copyright protection under UK law. The case will focus on whether Wright’s creation, the Bitcoin Satoshi Vision blockchain, is the genuine blockchain for the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Also, Wright’s self-identification as Nakamoto will be cross-examined in a separate trial.”