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Bitcoin spot ETFs to receive green light in Hong Kong in April

According to a recent Reuters report, Hong Kong will become the first city in Asia to launch Bitcoin spot ETFs. Notably, initial approvals for these ETFs are expected to be announced next week, significantly exceeding industry expectations for these types of launches this year.

The revival proposed by Hong Kong

According to the report, the decision to introduce spot Bitcoin ETFs comes as Hong Kong seeks to revive its status as a preeminent financial center, in which pandemic-related restrictions have been somewhat eased, China’s economic slowdown and tensions between China and the United States.

By adopting cryptocurrency investment vehicles, Hong Kong aims to attract new global investments and take cryptocurrency adoption to new heights.

Adrian Wang, CEO of Metalpha, a Hong Kong-based crypto asset manager, emphasized the importance of introducing Bitcoin ETFs in Hong Kong, noting the potential for greater global investment and broader adoption of cryptocurrencies.

This move follows the success of the United States, which launched the first US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs in January and attracted approximately $12 billion in net inflows, as Bitcoinist previously reported.

While the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the three Chinese firms declined to comment, the Hong Kong units of China Asset Management and Harvest Fund Management recently obtained approval from the SFC to manage portfolios with investments greater than 10% in virtual markets. asset.

These parent companies are major mutual fund companies in China, each managing more than 1 billion yuan ($138 billion) in assets.

Bitcoin Futures Success Fuels Interest in Spot Bitcoin ETFs

Cryptocurrency trading is prohibited in mainland China. However, Chinese offshore financial institutions have shown great interest in participating in the development of crypto assets in Hong Kong.

The city had already approved ETFs for cryptocurrency futures in late 2022, with the CSOP Bitcoin Futures ETF being the largest. It has accumulated around $120 million in assets under management, up sevenfold since September 2023.

In addition to the aforementioned asset managers, Hong Kong-based Value Partners has expressed its exploration of launching a spot Bitcoin ETF, although it has not revealed whether an official application has been filed.

Additionally, at least four asset managers from mainland China and Hong Kong, including China Asset Management, Harvest Fund Management and Bosera Asset Management, have filed applications to launch Bitcoin spot ETFs.

As the regulatory landscape evolves, the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs in Hong Kong is expected to pave the way for greater investment opportunities and contribute to the growth and maturation of the global cryptocurrency market.

At the time of writing, the market-leading cryptocurrency has witnessed significant price volatility. It approached its all-time high on Monday and hit a high of $72,600. However, it encountered upper level resistance, falling towards the $67,600 range. This represents a 3.5% reduction in the last 24 hours alone.

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Hong Kong authorities encourage major banks to adopt crypto clients

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the regulatory body that oversees banking activities in the region, reportedly encouraged major banks like HSBC and Standard Chartered to establish relationships with cryptocurrency exchanges.

This effort to embrace the cryptocurrency sector comes despite the increased regulatory scrutiny the industry faces on a global scale. This initiative aims to position Hong Kong as a major global hub for the cryptocurrency industry.

However, the sector still faces challenges stemming from significant collapses in the past. A report dated June 15 revealed that three sources with knowledge of the matter revealed that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) had raised concerns during a May meeting with UK-based companies and the Bank of China.

The HKMA sought explanations from these institutions regarding their reluctance to onboard cryptocurrency exchanges as clients. This indicates the HKMA’s active interest in encouraging banks to participate in the digital asset industry and potentially highlights its commitment to promoting the development of the cryptocurrency sector in Hong Kong.

Just weeks earlier, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) had issued a circular to banking institutions, emphasizing the importance of keeping abreast of developments in emerging markets and urging them to take a more proactive stance in exploring new sectors, including cryptocurrency. market.

Hong Kong Shows Growing Acceptance of Crypto Businesses

With ambitious aspirations to establish itself as a pre-eminent crypto hub in Asia, Hong Kong recently unveiled a regulatory framework legalizing the buying, selling and trading of cryptocurrencies for all its citizens, which will go into effect in June.

Hong Kong’s progressive approach to digital asset laws has instilled confidence in the domestic market, prompting several companies to apply for licences. Among them is Huobi HK, the Hong Kong subsidiary of global trading platform Huobi, which recently announced the launch of spot and managed services for business and retail clients in the region.

In the wake of lawsuits filed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against exchanges Binance and Coinbase, Hong Kong is proactively positioning itself as a hotspot for entities affected by these legal actions.

Hong Kong Legislative Council member Johnny Ng recently took to Twitter to support struggling cryptocurrency company Coinbase. In a show of solidarity, Ng invited Coinbase and urged the company to consider establishing its operations in Hong Kong, where the regulatory environment is perceived to be more favorable for cryptocurrency businesses.

This month, Hong Kong recently introduced a comprehensive set of regulations tailored to the digital asset industry, marking a major milestone. These regulations create a framework that allows locally licensed cryptocurrency companies to start operating.

The highlight of this development is that licensed companies can now provide services to retail investors, allowing them to participate in cryptocurrency trading.

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Huobi Prepares to Launch Business Service in Hong Kong

Huobi HK will play an important role in making Hong Kong the world center of Web 3.0.

In the future, users will be able to buy, sell and hold major cryptocurrencies such as BTC and ETH, as well as other major cryptocurrencies listed on the independent index through Huobi HK.

Huobi aims to provide a great shopping experience for Web 3.0 users in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has been gradually implementing crypto-friendly policies since last year and recently announced the introduction of “cryptocurrency regulations.”

second semester. from 2023.

As a cryptocurrency exchange with a decade-long history, Huobi is actively involved in developing and building Hong Kong’s Web 3.0 ecosystem.

It is worth noting that during this year’s Hong Kong Web 3.0 Carnival, Huobi became a major contributor to the first Hong Kong Web 3.0 Ecosystem Fund.

Furthermore, Huobi is actively preparing to apply for a cryptocurrency trading license in Hong Kong.

Huobi intends to open up the Hong Kong market in a regulated and compliant manner that will speed up the development of Hong Kong’s Web 3.0 ecosystem.