Hong Kong Chief Says Regulators May Get Powers to Crack Down on Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges: Report

In an effort to combat fraudulent activities in the crypto industry, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has suggested that regulators may be granted additional powers to crack down on unlicensed crypto exchanges. This comes after an investigation into Hounax, an unlicensed virtual-asset trading platform that reportedly defrauded individuals of millions of dollars. The government aims to actively cooperate if regulators require more authority in tackling unlicensed exchanges and protecting investors. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has recently published a list of licensed virtual-asset trading platforms to assist investors in making informed decisions. However, the SFC stated that it currently lacks the authority to close down unlicensed exchanges. The proposed measures aim to enhance government supervision and strengthen licensing laws in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Hong Kong Chief Says Regulators May Get Powers to Crack Down on Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges: Report

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Background

The recent investigation into the unlicensed virtual-asset trading platform Hounax has highlighted the need for stronger regulatory measures in Hong Kong’s crypto industry. Hounax allegedly defrauded investors of millions of dollars, prompting concerns about investor protection and the oversight of unlicensed platforms. This incident follows a similar case involving JPEX, another unlicensed crypto exchange, where six individuals were arrested after numerous complaints were filed. In response to these incidents, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has called for stronger licensing laws to prevent such fraudulent activities.

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Investigation into Hounax

Hounax, the unlicensed virtual-asset trading platform at the center of the recent investigation, has reportedly defrauded investors of HK$148 million ($19 million). The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) placed Hounax on the alert list on November 1, 2023, but it was criticized for not taking stronger action to prevent further harm to investors. Lawmaker Doreen Kong argued that the SFC should have gone beyond issuing alerts and taken measures to block Hounax from contacting the public.

Call for Stronger Licensing Laws

The Hounax case has prompted renewed calls for stronger licensing laws in Hong Kong’s crypto industry. Chief Executive John Lee has emphasized the need for government supervision and regulatory cooperation to protect investors and crack down on unlicensed platforms. Strengthening licensing laws would provide regulators with more powers to regulate and monitor crypto exchanges, ultimately safeguarding the interests of investors.

SFC’s List of Licensed Virtual-Asset Trading Platforms

In response to the Hounax incident, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) published a list of licensed virtual-asset trading platforms. This list serves as a resource for investors to identify and choose reputable and regulated crypto platforms. By consulting this list, investors can make informed decisions and reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud or other illicit activities.

Criticism of SFC’s Approach

Despite the SFC’s efforts to protect investors through its list of licensed virtual-asset trading platforms, there has been criticism of its overall approach. Lawmaker Doreen Kong expressed dissatisfaction with relying solely on an alert list, arguing that more robust measures are necessary to prevent unlicensed platforms from posing risks to the public. Critics argue that the SFC should have the power to close unlicensed crypto exchanges to effectively protect investors.

Closing Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges

To address the growing concern over unlicensed crypto exchanges, there is a need for regulators to have the power to close such platforms. Currently, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong does not possess this authority. However, there is a growing consensus among industry stakeholders and regulators that granting regulators the power to shut down unlicensed exchanges would be an important step in safeguarding investors and maintaining the integrity of the crypto industry.

Regulatory Cooperation

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has expressed a willingness to cooperate with regulators to enhance their powers in cracking down on unlicensed crypto exchanges. Recognizing the importance of regulatory cooperation, the government aims to actively support and collaborate with regulators to strengthen the oversight of the crypto industry. By working together, regulators can effectively address the challenges posed by unlicensed exchanges and ensure a safer and more secure environment for investors.

Government Supervision to Protect Investors

Given the increasing number of fraudulent activities in the crypto industry, government supervision and regulation are crucial to protect investors. The involvement of government authorities can provide additional oversight and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to detect and punish illegal activities. Furthermore, government supervision can help establish a transparent and trustworthy crypto market, bolstering investor confidence and attracting more participants to the industry.

Protecting Investors and Cracking Down on Unlicensed Platforms

The recent incidents involving Hounax and JPEX highlight the urgent need to protect investors and crack down on unlicensed platforms in Hong Kong. Implementing stronger licensing laws and granting regulators the power to close unlicensed exchanges are essential steps towards achieving this goal. Through regulatory cooperation and government supervision, the crypto industry can establish a safer and more reliable ecosystem that safeguards the interests of both investors and legitimate businesses.

SFC’s Power to Close Unlicensed Exchanges

Currently, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) lacks the authority to close unlicensed crypto exchanges. This limitation hinders the SFC’s ability to effectively regulate the industry and protect investors. However, with growing concerns about the rise of fraudulent activities, discussions are underway to grant the SFC the power to shut down unlicensed exchanges. In doing so, the SFC would have a stronger mandate to maintain market integrity and protect the interests of investors.

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