Hong Kong has taken a significant step towards fostering a regulated and favorable environment for cryptocurrency trading. With the recent launch of retail trading services by HashKey Exchange, cryptocurrency traders in Hong Kong now have access to a locally based exchange. This move comes after HashKey was granted Type 1 and Type 7 licenses by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, allowing the company to serve professional, institutional, and now retail investors. HashKey is not the only exchange to receive this regulatory uplift, as digital asset platform OSL also obtained a license from the SFC to offer its brokerage, exchange, and custody services to retail customers.
HashKey Exchange holds an optimistic outlook for the development of Web3 in Hong Kong. The company believes that the government’s support and favorable regulations from the SFC have contributed to the growth of the cryptocurrency ecosystem in the region. As a result, HashKey aims to onboard 500,000 to one million users by the end of 2023, both locally and abroad. The exchange’s representative also predicts that the arrival of a new cryptocurrency bull market between 2024 and 2025 will further increase Hong Kong’s crypto user base to 10-15 million within the next two years.
The regulatory oversight provided by the Hong Kong government and the SFC is considered a key driver of growth for the Web3 ecosystem. HashKey’s chief operating officer, Livio Weng, emphasizes the importance of this favorable regulatory environment in attracting Web3 talents and capital from around the world. This, in turn, accelerates technological and business innovation. Hong Kong’s regulatory parameters position the region as a potential alternative for Web3 firms seeking a favorable and regulated crypto ecosystem.
HashKey Exchange operates on the Hex Engine, a high-performance trading system capable of processing 5,000 transactions per second. The exchange has also implemented various regulatory requirements in line with Hong Kong’s guidelines. These include detailed user screening, Anti-Money Laundering inspections, and transaction monitoring. Additionally, HashKey is licensed to hold custody of institutional and retail client funds, with the majority of cryptocurrencies stored in cold wallets for enhanced security.
Hong Kong’s adoption of a favorable but regulated cryptocurrency ecosystem has caught the attention of global players in the industry. Binance, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally, has engaged in public discussions and policy-making processes in the region. The presence of these global players further solidifies Hong Kong’s position as a prominent hub for cryptocurrency trading.
The launch of retail trading services by HashKey Exchange marks a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency industry in Hong Kong. Retail investors now have a locally based exchange to access and trade cryptocurrencies, thanks to the regulatory uplift granted by the SFC. The optimistic outlook for the development of Web3 in Hong Kong, combined with favorable regulatory oversight, positions the region as a potential hotspot for crypto innovation. With increased participation from both local and global players, Hong Kong’s crypto user base is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, contributing to the overall maturation of the cryptocurrency market.
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