According to a Bloomberg report, the Hong Kong Securities Regulatory Commission (SFC) has made a landmark decision to allow retail investors to engage in cryptocurrency trading. This regulatory breakthrough has seen HashKey Pro and OSL become the first exchanges to meet the compliance standards, offering retail investors the opportunity to engage in spot transactions with Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), and Tether (USDT).
The first license under Hong Kong’s new crypto regime was secured by HashKey Exchange, marking the official legalization of the retail trading of tokens in the city. This move is part of Hong Kong’s efforts to foster a global hub for the digital-asset sector. HashKey, with the upgrading of its existing licenses, can now offer services to retail investors. However, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has yet to issue a statement confirming this development.
Meanwhile, OSL, a cryptocurrency-focused subsidiary of the BC Group, has secured an “approval-in-principle” for its license applications. These applications pertain to Type 1 (securities dealing) and Type 7 (automated trading service or ATS). Provisional endorsement highlights OSL’s dedication to cryptocurrency, reinforcing its leading role in Hong Kong’s rapidly growing cryptocurrency sector.
Hong Kong’s new regulatory framework stipulates that crypto exchanges can offer trading services to individuals and institutions, provided they secure and comply with licenses designed to curb risky practices. However, retail investors are limited to larger cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether, which are featured in at least two recognized investable indexes.
In a parallel development, Shanghai, China’s financial powerhouse, has unveiled ambitious plans to establish a blockchain infrastructure by the end of 2025. This project includes forging connections with Hong Kong and Singapore for applications in a variety of fields, including digital assets, transportation, industrial internet-of-things, supply chain finance, and carbon management.
Shanghai’s ambitious blockchain plans aim to position the city as a global leader in the shift to digital-based economies. The plan includes building a blockchain network and dedicated computing power clusters to support the city’s blockchain ambitions in managing local government affairs, public services, and real-world economy applications.
