HONGKONG
Hong Kong Suffers Surge in Crypto Scams in 2022
Hong Kong police reported a surge in crypto-related scams in 2022, with losses amounting to HK$1.7 billion ($216.6 million), up 106% from the previous year. The number of crypto-related scam cases reported in Hong Kong also surged by 67% from 2021. Such scams accounted for over 50% of the HK$3.2 billion ($407 million) stolen from city residents in technology crimes. The Hong Kong police CyberDefender website reported almost 23,000 cases of technology-related crimes in 2022. The use of cryptocurrency has made it more complicated for enforcement to track criminal funds, as fraudsters can hide their identities, transactions, and final destination.
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao to Speak at the 2023 Hong Kong Web3 Festival
Binance Founder and CEO Mr. Changpeng Zhao (CZ) confirms his attendance at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2023. Mr. Zhao will be the closing speaker on the Opening Day of the conference, 12 April 2023, and will deliver his speech virtually
Binance Launches Joint Anti-Scam Campaign
Binance has launched a "Joint Anti-Scam Campaign" in Hong Kong in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies. The initiative involves issuing targeted alerts to potential victims of scams to prevent them from falling victim to fraudulent activity. Binance intends to expand the campaign to other jurisdictions.
Gate.io to Launch Crypto Exchange in Hong Kong Following Government's $6.4M Investment in Web3
Hong Kong's current budget allocates millions to the Web3 and crypto industries to "keep up with the times," allowing Gate.io to establish a local presence.
Public feedback on the SFC's proposed cryptocurrency exchange licensing regime
Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission seeks public input on bitcoin exchange registration.
Interactive Brokers Launches Crypto Trading Services for Institutional Clients
In 2023, Hong Kong will cooperate with cryptocurrency and fintech firms.
China Telecom and Conflux Network to pilot Blockchain enabled SIM card in Hong Kong
Today China Telecom and Conflux Network announce a partnership to bring Blockchain SIM cards (BSIM) to market. The entry-level Web3 product will be the largest blockchain hardware product ever seen globally, involving the most users and applications. China Telecom will launch the first BSIM pilot program in Hong Kong later this year. This will likely be followed by pilots in key mainland China locations such as Shanghai.
DBS Bank to Expand Crypto Services to Hong Kong
As Hong Kong strives to become a digital asset center, Singapore state-owned megabank DBS Group plans to extend its crypto platform there.
HKSFC to Hire 4 More Staff to Supervise Crypto
The statement states that more operators want to use virtual assets.
HKMA Stablecoin Regulations to Demand Backing by Underlying Assets
The main financial regulator will require stablecoin issuers to always back their values with reserve assets.
Samsung Investment Exploring Hong Kong Spot-Bitcoin ETF
Samsung Asset Management is exploring a Hong Kong spot Bitcoin ETF. The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Market, Asia's sole Bitcoin futures exchange, launched the company's Bitcoin futures ETF on Jan. 13.
Despite Industry Upheaval, Hong Kong Seeks Crypto Hub Status
Hong Kong's government supports bitcoin infrastructure development. In 2023, Hong Kong's finance secretary Paul Chan said the government and authorities would work with crypto and fintech businesses. Many sector businesses want to develop in Hong Kong or go public on local markets.
Hong Kong Politician Seeks DeFi-Based Stablecoin CBDC
Hong Kong authorities are currently considering issuing a CBDC as a government-backed stablecoin. Wu Jiezhuang, a Legislative Council member of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, thinks converting e-HKD into a stablecoin will mitigate Web3 virtual asset concerns.
Hong Kong Brokers Seek SFC Clearance Before Virtual Asset Trading Law
Regional brokers and investment managers have sought licensing guidance ahead of new regulations. Retail investors may trade digital assets with high market capitalization and liquidity. Digital asset trading is confined to experienced investors and traders with at least $1 million in bankable assets.
Central Bank Executive Says Hong Kong Working On Investor Protection Measures
Central bank governors from around the world are currently in Thailand to discuss the role of central banks amid evolving financial technology. Eddie Yue, chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority discussed the rise of digital assets and central bank digital currencies (CBDC) and the risks associated with the new technology. Changyong Rhee, governor of the Bank of Korea was not so optimistic about the future of blockchain technology, especially in the monetary sector.
