Cointime

Cointime

Download App
iOS & Android
Home / Policy

Hong Kong Regulator Warns Virtual Asset Trading Platforms of Legal and Regulatory Consequences

The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has issued a warning to virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) regarding their practices and potential legal and regulatory consequences. The SFC has observed unlicensed VATPs falsely claiming to have submitted licensing applications and engaging in non-compliant activities.

The warning is part of Hong Kong's efforts to regulate the virtual asset industry, with virtual asset service providers required to apply for a license from the SFC. The SFC has also reminded retail investors to be cautious of the risks of trading virtual assets on unregulated VATPs.

Hong Kong
Comments

All Comments

Recommended for you

  • Pennsylvania Passes "Bitcoin Rights" Bill and Considers Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Amid Criticism and Potential Economic Benefits

    Pennsylvania has passed the "Bitcoin Rights" bill, which protects the rights of individuals and businesses to self-custody digital assets, operate blockchain nodes, and conduct transactions without interference from restrictive municipal ordinances. This move establishes Pennsylvania as a leader in digital asset regulation and demonstrates its commitment to fostering innovation in the sector while addressing issues such as economic empowerment and financial inclusion. Additionally, two Republican Representatives have introduced the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, which would allow the state treasurer to allocate up to 10% of Pennsylvania's funds into bitcoin and crypto-based exchange-traded products. However, critics have raised concerns about the risks of holding bitcoin in government reserves, including extreme price volatility and security vulnerabilities, as well as environmental concerns related to bitcoin mining's energy consumption. Despite this, Pennsylvania's proactive approach to fostering a crypto-friendly environment positions the state as a model for equitable digital asset adoption and underscores the growing role of state governments in shaping the future of the digital economy.

  • It is reported that Trump may meet with Ripple CEO and other crypto industry representatives to discuss the formulation of US crypto policy

     Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently gave an interview to Fox News and talked about his feelings regarding Trump's victory in the 24th US presidential election. There are reports that Brad Garlinghouse and other representatives from the cryptocurrency industry may meet with Trump to discuss participating in the formulation of US cryptocurrency policies. Fox News asked Brad Garlinghouse about this matter, and although it has not been confirmed, his response seemed to suggest that he would be open to it. Brad Garlinghouse said, "I won't comment too much on the details here. Throughout the entire election cycle, we have been actively supporting cryptocurrencies and innovation, and we will continue to work with more friendly government officials to get rid of current regulations through law enforcement."

  • EU regulators set out guidelines on restrictions for cryptocurrency providers

    the European Banking Authority (EBA) is the European regulatory agency responsible for addressing weaknesses in the European banking industry. It has issued two sets of guidelines, including specific guidelines for payment service providers (PSPs) and cryptocurrency asset service providers (CASPs). On November 14th, EBA released guidelines that specify the measures that PSPs and CASPs must take when transferring funds or cryptocurrency to comply with EU and national restrictive measures. According to EBA, these guidelines ensure the implementation of EU and national sanctions. EBA believes that weaknesses in control, internal policies, and procedures may pose legal and reputational risks to financial institutions (including PSPs and CASPs). In addition, weak links in these areas for financial institutions may also "weaken" the effectiveness of the EU's restrictive measures system. The European Banking Authority emphasizes that this may lead to rule evasion, thereby affecting the stability of the EU's financial ecosystem. According to ECA, these guidelines will apply from December 30, 2025.

  • Cardano founder confirms he will work with Trump administration on crypto legislation

     Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has confirmed plans to collaborate with the US government under the leadership of President Trump to help formulate cryptocurrency legislation. The goal is to create a clear regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry, which has faced uncertainty and regulatory challenges for years. Hoskinson announced these plans in a recent speech and stated that developing positive policies regarding cryptocurrency requires support from both the Democratic and Republican parties. He stated that his company, Input Output Global (IOG), will establish a separate policy department for cryptocurrency regulation. This office will focus on developing a legislative framework that incorporates the provisions of the 21st Century Financial Innovation and Technology Act (FIT21) and the Responsible Financial Innovation Act (RFIA). He added, "I will work with legislators and the government to push for a bipartisan bill to be passed."

  • UK House of Lords backs Digital Asset Property Bill

    members of the UK House of Lords expressed support for the country's digital asset property bill during a second reading session on Wednesday. The House of Lords Committee generally believes that the bill will provide more clarity on how the legal system treats cryptocurrencies and may mark another step forward for the UK in paving the way for domestic cryptocurrency use. The bill was drafted by the independent statutory body, the Law Commission, and was launched in the UK in September. The bill adds a new "property" category within the scope of property to help resolve legal disputes involving cryptocurrencies. The bill will not only help judges in criminal proceedings involving cryptocurrency theft due to fraud or hacking, but will also help divide marital property.

  • Cointime July 27th News Express

    1. As of July 25, BlackRock IBIT held more than 338,000 bitcoins, an increase of more than 1,092 bitcoins from the previous day.

  • Hong Kong's financial industry may study launching stablecoin trading desks and institutional custody services

    Hong Kong Monetary Authority recently announced the list of participants in the stablecoin issuer sandbox, including JD Coin Chain, Circle Coin Innovation, Standard Chartered Bank, Anni Group, Hong Kong Telecom and other institutions. Research reports released by Zeng Shengjun, a researcher at the Greater Bay Area Financial Research Institute of the Shenzhen Branch of Bank of China, and Guan Zhenqiu, a researcher at the Hong Kong Financial Research Institute of Bank of China, analyzed that the Hong Kong dollar stablecoin can improve the efficiency and inclusiveness of the Hong Kong financial system. Its stability, free convertibility, high security, high open source and cross-border mobility can provide support for a wider range of financial innovations.

  • Hong Kong Legislative Council Member: The issuance and trading system of tokenized bond-related products can be shared with the mainland

    Hong Kong Legislative Council member Chan Chun-ying stated that the new productivity of Hong Kong's financial industry is currently mainly developed around digital and green themes. Regarding virtual assets, Hong Kong regulatory agencies should establish relevant trading platforms, stablecoin issuances, testing and operational mechanisms, capture digital development trends, and share relevant regulatory experience with the mainland. At the same time, Hong Kong's tokenized bond development is leading the world, and relevant product issuances, trading systems can be shared with the mainland or guide more mainland companies to issue, together meeting international market demand.

  • Hong Kong investment in virtual assets will not be subject to capital gains tax

    Hong Kong investors in virtual assets will not be subject to asset value-added tax, which is a very attractive point for global investors. For example, in Japan and Australia, although they have expanded the virtual asset market earlier than Hong Kong, they still need to pay asset value-added tax, which will be included in the comprehensive tax rate calculation. The comprehensive tax rates in Japan and Australia can be as high as 50% and 40% respectively. For investors, investment returns are of course the most important consideration, and Hong Kong's low tax system will attract more international investors to settle in Hong Kong.

  • Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission: Promote the implementation of the mutual recognition arrangement between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and allow sales to public investors in the other marke

    Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong welcomes the release of the "Hong Kong Mutual Recognition of Funds Management Rules (Revised Draft for Solicitation of Comments)," which promotes the implementation of optimized mutual recognition arrangements for funds. The proposed measures for revision in the draft for solicitation of comments include relaxing the proportion limit for Hong Kong mutual recognition funds sold in the Mainland and allowing Hong Kong mutual recognition funds to transfer investment management functions to overseas asset management institutions under the same group as the manager. Currently, the proportion of mutual recognition funds sold in the other market cannot exceed 50% of the total assets of the fund. After optimization, this proportion limit will be relaxed to 80%. The SFC of Hong Kong will work closely to promote the formulation and implementation of relevant measures and will announce the implementation details and formal launch date of the optimized mutual recognition arrangements in due course. Cross-border mutual recognition of funds is a mature institutional arrangement in the field of international asset management market opening. As early as July 1, 2015, the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission launched mutual recognition of funds, allowing Mainland and Hong Kong funds that meet certain conditions to be recognized or licensed for sale to the public in the other market in accordance with statutory procedures.

Daily Must-Read

Popular Activities

Delysium $AGI & AI Private Yacht Party

Delysium $AGI & AI Private Yacht Party

March 27 - March 27
Seoul

Popular Tags

Cointime
News
Contents
RSS
Company