• The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is holding discussions over a proposal to allow retail investors to invest in cryptocurrency.
• The SFC has launched a consultation paper outlining the potential risks and benefits of allowing retail crypto investments.
• Interactive Brokers, a major electronic trading platform in the US, recently unveiled its plan to broaden its crypto offerings in Asian markets.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is consulting on whether to open retail investors to invest in crypto assets. The SFC has published a consultation paper that outlines the potential risks and benefits of this move. In addition, before June 1, all operating crypto trading platforms must be licensed by the SFC or else they will need to terminate their Hong Kong business operations.
Under the proposed plan, individual investors would have the opportunity to trade more prominent cryptocurrencies on exchanges licensed by the SFC, subject to certain conditions. These digital currencies must be included in at least two acceptable, investible indexes from independent providers, one of which should possess experience in the traditional financial sector.
The consultation period concerning these proposed measures will remain open until Mar 31. Additionally, the SFC is requesting input on what additional measures need to be put in place so as to safeguard interests of individual investors.
Interactive Brokers, a major electronic trading platform in the US, recently announced its plan for expanding its crypto offerings into Asian markets just prior to this announcement from SFC .
The regulatory move by Hong Kong’s autonomous government is aimed at promoting healthy development of cryptocurrency industry while protecting investors from potential risks involved with investing in digital assets. It remains yet unclear how much impact these initiatives will have on wider adoption of crypto assets globally .