- Bybit applies for a VATP license in Hong Kong via Spark Fintech Restricted.
- Hong Kong’s beneficial regulatory setting contrasts with China’s crypto crackdown.
- Harvest Fund Administration’s spot bitcoin ETF utility indicators Hong Kong’s rising crypto affect.
Bybit, a distinguished cryptocurrency trade, has formally utilized for a license to function as a “digital asset buying and selling platform” in Hong Kong. The appliance was submitted via Spark Fintech Restricted on Wednesday, as confirmed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Fee’s data.
The transfer comes amid a regulatory panorama that distinguishes Hong Kong from its neighbouring Chinese language mainland. Bybit’s strategic alternative aligns with Hong Kong’s welcoming method to crypto companies, as seen with its crypto licensing regime initiated in June 2023.
Hong Kong rising as a crypto hub in Asia
Not like the broader crackdown on crypto actions in mainland China, Hong Kong has emerged as a beneficial vacation spot for crypto companies. Bybit acknowledges town’s strategic benefits, citing its established monetary infrastructure and prime location.
Acquiring a Digital Asset Buying and selling Platform (VATP) license in Hong Kong would mark a pivotal step for Bybit, positioning it to serve institutional shoppers throughout the Asia Pacific area.
Hong Kong instituted its crypto licensing regime in June 2023, permitting licensed exchanges to supply retail buying and selling companies. Bybit’s utility locations it among the many 14 crypto companies presently beneath official evaluate by the monetary regulator. Notably, OKX, one other distinguished crypto trade, filed its utility on November 16.
Along with digital asset buying and selling licenses, Hong Kong regulators are paving the best way for spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The Securities and Futures Fee, together with the Hong Kong Financial Authority, has reviewed present insurance policies, signalling a possible growth of town’s crypto monetary merchandise.
The Hong Kong arm of Harvest Fund Administration, a significant Chinese language asset supervisor, has already utilized to a spot Bitcoin ETF in Hong Kong.
Bybit’s daring transfer to safe a VATP license underscores the rising significance of Hong Kong within the crypto area, as town continues to embrace and regulate digital asset buying and selling. With regulatory developments ongoing, the Asia Pacific area is witnessing a dynamic shift in its crypto panorama, with Hong Kong on the forefront of this evolution.
