hongkong

🔍 The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong has released a comprehensive policy statement that reshapes the regulatory landscape for:

- Virtual asset (VA) portfolio managers,
- Crypto-focused investment funds and distributors,
- Exchanges and trading platforms operating with digital assets.

🚨 What’s it about?

The SFC is introducing mandatory licensing and compliance standards for crypto-related activities — even if the tokens involved don’t qualify as “securities” under traditional legal definitions.

🔑 Key Highlights:

1. VA Funds and Managers:

Any fund with ≥10% of AUM in crypto must:

- Be licensed,
- Follow strict rules on custody, audits, disclosures, and AML/CFT,
- Serve professional investors only.

2. Fund Distribution:

- Distribution of VA funds (whether or not they include “securities”) is restricted to licensed Type 1 intermediaries.
- Full compliance with suitability and disclosure obligations is required.

3. Crypto Exchanges and Platforms:

The SFC is launching a Regulatory Sandbox for platforms willing to meet high regulatory standards.
Key conditions include:

- Access restricted to professional investors,
- Pre-funded trades only (no margin, no derivatives),
- Robust KYC/AML, custody rules, anti-manipulation safeguards,
- Mandatory insurance (100% hot wallet, ≥95% cold wallet).

📊 Why Does This Matter?

- A gateway to Asia’s Web3 market: Hong Kong aims to become a regulated crypto hub.
- Grey zones are closing: Unlicensed players risk exclusion.
- Reputation matters: SFC licensing can be a major credibility boost for projects, especially when seeking exchange listings or capital.

⚖️ Final Note from Legal Kornet

Legal Kornet monitors key regulatory developments across Hong Kong, the EU, the U.S., and other major jurisdictions. We support projects, funds, and platforms in aligning with SFC requirements — including navigating the licensing process and the Regulatory Sandbox.

#CryptoLaw #SFC #HongKong #CryptoCompliance #Web3

Policy Shockwave: Billion-level fiat liquidity directly piercing crypto dark pools.

On June 22, Hong Kong's 'Faster Payment System' was officially connected with the mainland IBPS system, and the world's first national-level instant cross-border payment channel 'Cross-Border Payment' is about to be launched.

Core Mechanism Three-Point Explosion:

Zero-Friction Remittance: Cross-border transfers can be completed with just a mobile phone number, arriving within 24 hours, with a daily northbound limit of HKD 10,000 (independent of the existing RMB 80,000 remittance limit).

Full Coverage of People's Livelihood Scenarios: Small, high-frequency scenarios such as tuition, medical expenses, and salary distribution are prioritized. The annual remittance limit for Hong Kong residents is HKD 200,000, while the southbound limit for mainland residents is linked to the $50,000 foreign exchange purchase threshold.

🏦 August Shockwave: Hong Kong’s Stablecoin Law Is Coming – What It Means for You and Bitcoin 🚀📈

Hong Kong is making big waves in the crypto world with a brand-new Stablecoin Ordinance set to kick in on August 1. The law will officially regulate stablecoins—cryptos that are tied to real-world currencies like the US Dollar or Chinese Yuan. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po says this step puts Hong Kong at the forefront of digital asset innovation, aiming to attract global investors and strengthen the region’s financial power.
This ordinance will let licensed companies issue stablecoins backed by multiple currencies, giving users more choice and making it easier for people and businesses to use stablecoins across borders. Experts believe this will increase competition, push financial innovation, and open the doors for new types of tokenized assets and trading platforms 💹. Big players in the financial space, like Futu Securities, are already seeing a surge in demand from investors interested in stablecoins.
At the same time, Bitcoin’s price is booming, jumping over 25% in the last 90 days, now hovering around $105K! Analysts say Hong Kong’s move could lead the way for other countries to follow, creating a global model for stablecoin regulations. If you're into crypto or digital finance, this could be the start of something massive. 🌐🔥

#StablecoinRevolution #stablecoin #HongKong $USDC

According to Bloomberg, Ant International, the international division of fintech giant Ant Group, plans to apply for licenses to issue stablecoins in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Luxembourg. In Hong Kong, the application will be submitted after the new stablecoin law comes into effect on August 1, 2025. This move is part of the company's strategy to expand its Whale blockchain platform, which processed a third of $1 trillion in global transactions for Ant in 2024.

A groundbreaking proposal from Hong Kong legislator Wu Jiezhuang has sparked conversations about the role of Bitcoin in the city's financial future. Wu’s suggestion to integrate Bitcoin into Hong Kong’s national reserves is a bold move that could reshape traditional asset strategies and position the city as a leader in digital finance. Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique "one country, two systems" framework, Wu envisions a financial landscape where Bitcoin isn’t just an investment but a cornerstone of fiscal security.
Drawing Inspiration from Global Examples
Wu’s proposal is rooted in real-world precedents. Countries like El Salvador and Bhutan have already embraced Bitcoin in their economic systems, albeit in distinct ways. El Salvador, a trailblazer in Bitcoin adoption, made headlines by recognizing the cryptocurrency as legal tender. Meanwhile, Bhutan has been quietly building reserves through mining operations, showcasing another method of integrating Bitcoin into national strategies.

These examples underline Bitcoin’s potential to serve as more than a volatile investment asset. Instead, Wu suggests, it can act as a strategic tool for countries looking to diversify their holdings and enhance financial resilience. As governments adopt Bitcoin, he argues, its value could stabilize, making it a more reliable reserve asset in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
A Phased Approach to Adoption
Recognizing the challenges of incorporating Bitcoin into national reserves, Wu advocates for a phased approach. The first step, he proposes, is the introduction of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in Hong Kong. These ETFs would provide a regulated entry point for investors, bridging the gap between traditional financial systems and the emerging digital asset ecosystem.

Wu emphasizes the importance of learning from the United States, where Bitcoin ETFs have made the asset more accessible to institutional investors. By tailoring this model to Hong Kong’s unique regulatory and economic environment, the city could attract global talent and investment, setting the stage for broader adoption of Bitcoin.
Challenges and Opportunities
Wu’s vision isn’t without its critics. Bitcoin’s price volatility remains a significant concern, as does the complexity of integrating such an asset into fiscal reserves. Opponents argue that relying on Bitcoin exposes governments to risks not present with traditional assets like gold or foreign currencies. However, Wu counters that as more countries adopt Bitcoin, the asset’s value will stabilize, mitigating these risks over time.
He also highlights the potential long-term benefits of diversifying reserves. Traditional holdings often depend on assets susceptible to geopolitical and economic uncertainties. By incorporating Bitcoin, Hong Kong could reduce its reliance on these traditional systems, paving the way for greater financial resilience in an unpredictable global landscape.
Positioning Hong Kong as a Digital Finance Hub
This proposal comes at a pivotal moment for Hong Kong, as the city navigates its identity amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics. Long recognized as a global financial hub, Hong Kong’s ability to adapt to new technologies like blockchain and digital currencies will play a crucial role in maintaining its competitive edge.
Wu’s call to action is clear: Hong Kong must embrace innovation to stay ahead. By positioning itself as a leader in digital asset adoption, the city can attract top-tier talent and investors, fostering an environment where financial security and technological advancement go hand in hand.
Rethinking the Fundamentals of Financial Security
What makes Wu’s proposal particularly compelling is its focus on long-term strategy. Rather than viewing Bitcoin as a passing trend, he presents it as a cornerstone of future fiscal security. This perspective challenges conventional thinking about national reserves and opens the door for other jurisdictions to consider similar approaches.
By diversifying its reserves with Bitcoin, Hong Kong could reduce dependence on traditional systems that may struggle to withstand the complexities of an interconnected global economy. While the proposal’s implementation remains uncertain, Wu’s vision has undoubtedly initiated a critical conversation about the future of financial strategy in a digital-first world.
Conclusion
As Bitcoin continues its evolution from a niche digital currency to a potential pillar of national economic strategy, proposals like Wu’s force policymakers to rethink the fundamentals of financial security. For Hong Kong, this is more than an opportunity to adopt a new asset class; it’s a chance to define the future of fiscal reserves and digital finance on the global stage.
Wu Jiezhuang’s bold vision underscores the urgency of embracing innovation in an era of rapid technological change. By leading the charge in integrating Bitcoin into national reserves, Hong Kong could set a powerful example for other nations while securing its place as a pioneer in the digital economy.
#HongKong #Bitcoin $BTC $ETH

Ethiopia has entered into a significant partnership with a Hong Kong-based data center operator, paving the way for new opportunities in data mining and artificial intelligence (AI) development. Here are the key points of this strategic alliance.

Memorandum of Understanding: $250 Million Investment
Ethiopian Investment Holdings, a state-owned company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Data Center Service, a subsidiary of the renowned Hong Kong-based West Data Group. This agreement, valued at $250 million, aims to establish modern infrastructure for data mining and AI training in Ethiopia.
Cryptocurrency Mining: A Controversial Issue
While the announcement does not directly mention cryptocurrency mining, reports suggest that this activity could be part of the joint effort. Bitcoin mining is a contentious topic in Ethiopia, especially given the recent launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which has altered electricity prices in the country.

Growing Interest in Cryptocurrencies in Ethiopia
Despite controversies, interest in cryptocurrencies is growing in Ethiopia. Reports indicate that several mining companies, mostly from China, are already operating there. Additionally, Ethiopia is striving to develop its cryptocurrency infrastructure and is collaborating with international partners, such as Input Output Hong Kong (IOHK), on blockchain technology innovations.
West Data Group: Innovative Fintech
West Data Group, powered by blockchain technology, is a key player in this partnership. With centers worldwide and a new focus on bitcoin and digital currency mining, it provides Ethiopia with new opportunities for technological development and economic diversification.
Conclusion
The partnership between Ethiopia and Hong Kong represents a significant step towards modernizing infrastructure and advancing technologies in Ethiopia. While questions regarding cryptocurrency mining remain open, it is clear that both parties are interested in joint development in the fields of data services and artificial intelligence.
#mining #crypto #hongkong

Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“