Hong Kong 2024 Virtual Asset Chronicle: ETF Launch, Regulatory Improvement, Continuous Innovation

Major Developments in the Hong Kong Virtual Assets Sector: A Review of 2024

In 2024, Hong Kong achieved several significant breakthroughs in the virtual asset sector, showcasing its determination to become a leading digital asset hub in Asia, from the improvement of regulatory frameworks to the launch of innovative products.

Review | Development of Virtual Assets in Hong Kong in 2024

Spot Cryptocurrency ETFs Make Their Debut

In April, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission officially approved the first batch of virtual asset spot ETFs, including Bitcoin and Ethereum products. This marks the first launch of such investment tools in the Asian market, and the Ethereum ETF is particularly a global first, showcasing Hong Kong's leading position in digital asset innovation.

Review | Development of Virtual Assets in Hong Kong 2024

Progress of Virtual Asset Trading Platform Licenses

In June, as the transition period approached its end, several virtual asset trading platforms actively applied for licenses. Although some well-known platforms chose to withdraw their applications, this process has still driven the industry toward a more standardized direction.

Review | 2024 Hong Kong Virtual Asset Development Journey

Development of the Stablecoin Ecosystem

In July, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced the first batch of participating companies in the stablecoin regulatory sandbox. A large technology company announced plans to issue a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the Hong Kong dollar, which will inject new vitality into Hong Kong's fintech ecosystem.

Review | The Development of Virtual Assets in Hong Kong in 2024

Ensemble Project Promotes Tokenization Market

In August, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority launched the Ensemble project sandbox, aimed at promoting the application of tokenization technology in the financial sector. The project covers multiple areas including fixed income, investment funds, liquidity management, and green finance, showcasing Hong Kong's foresight in financial innovation.

Review | Development of Virtual Assets in Hong Kong in 2024

Continuous Improvement of Regulatory Framework

In October, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission welcomed a new chairman who emphasized the importance of promoting innovation while protecting investor interests. In the same month, the third virtual asset exchange received a license, further enhancing Hong Kong's digital asset regulatory ecosystem.

Review | Development of Virtual Assets in Hong Kong in 2024

Launch of Virtual Asset Index Series

In November, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange officially launched a series of virtual asset indices, providing a transparent and reliable benchmark price for Bitcoin and Ethereum in the Asia timezone. This initiative helps address the issue of price discrepancies among global exchanges.

Review | 2024 Hong Kong Virtual Asset Development Journey

The Banking Industry's Entry into Cryptocurrency Services

In the same month, a digital bank in Hong Kong announced that it would provide cryptocurrency trading services for retail users, becoming the first bank in Asia to offer such services, marking a significant move by traditional financial institutions to actively embrace digital assets.

Review | 2024 Hong Kong Virtual Asset Development History

Stablecoin Regulatory Framework Released

In December, the "Stablecoin Regulation Draft" was submitted for its first reading in the Legislative Council, establishing clear regulatory requirements for the issuance and promotion of stablecoins, aimed at safeguarding financial stability and protecting investors' rights.

Review | 2024 Hong Kong Virtual Asset Development Process

The Number of Licensed Exchanges Increases

The Securities and Futures Commission announced at the end of the year the addition of four licensed virtual asset trading platforms, bringing the total number of licensed platforms in Hong Kong to seven. In addition, the regulatory agency plans to establish an advisory group in early 2025 to further strengthen the regulation of virtual asset platforms.

Review | Development of Virtual Assets in Hong Kong 2024

Cross-Border Digital Asset Investment Initiative

At the end of the year, a legislative member proposed the idea of launching "Digital Tong", aimed at allowing mainland investors to participate in Hong Kong-recognized digital asset trading through a special channel. This proposal reflects the possibility of exploring financial innovation and connectivity under the "one country, two systems" framework.

Review | Development of Virtual Assets in Hong Kong in 2024

Overall, the development of Hong Kong in the virtual asset sector in 2024 shows a trend of diversification and regulation, laying a solid foundation for establishing a secure and innovative digital asset ecosystem.

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ChainSherlockGirlvip
· 2h ago
Securing a license in Hong Kong means securing half of the Asian market! I’m sure there are already Whales in the background rubbing their hands together, waiting to play people for suckers... No, no, personal gossip, please don’t criticize.
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airdrop_huntressvip
· 2h ago
Crypto world experts love to grab airdrops but never make big money.
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TestnetNomadvip
· 3h ago
Hong Kong won big.
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OffchainOraclevip
· 3h ago
It's better to go to Singapore.
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NestedFoxvip
· 3h ago
The right time has come, I have already bought it excitedly hhhh
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CryptoTherapistvip
· 3h ago
lets unpack this market anxiety... hk's regulatory journey reflects our collective trading trauma healing fr fr
Reply0
SatoshiLegendvip
· 3h ago
Behind the brief bubble is a deep exploration of the trust mechanism by regulation. What is more important needs to be reconsidered from the perspective of Cryptography principles.
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