Hong Kong Pressures Banks to Accept Crypto Exchanges as Clients: FT

Hong Kong’s banking regulator is making use of stress on banks within the city-state, together with HSBC and Customary Chartered, to tackle crypto exchanges as shoppers, regardless of regulatory crackdowns in different components of the world.

At a gathering held final month, the Hong Kong Financial Authority (HKMA) questioned the UK-based companies and Financial institution of China about their reluctance to determine relationships with cryptocurrency exchanges, based on a Monetary Occasions report that cited three folks with data of the matter.

Hong Kong Urges Banks to Settle for Crypto Purchasers

HKMA suggested the banks in a letter dated 27 April that they need to not impose an extreme burden on potential shoppers throughout their due diligence course of, particularly for these establishing a presence in Hong Kong to hunt regional alternatives.

Hong Kong banks haven’t banned shoppers concerned in cryptocurrencies. Nevertheless, the report said that there’s hesitancy to have interaction with exchanges as a result of issues over potential prosecution if the platforms are utilized for illicit actions corresponding to cash laundering.

“HKMA inspired the banks to not be afraid. There’s resistance from a standard banking mindset… We’re seeing some resistance from senior executives at conventional banks,” an individual acquainted with the matter mentioned.

This stress serves as a reminder of the obstacles Hong Kong faces in its efforts to make itself a big participant within the international cryptocurrency business, regardless of various surprising business implosions, together with the demise of FTX.

Embracing Crypto

Hong Kong’s enthusiasm for the cryptocurrency business has been demonstrated by way of its willingness to embrace the sector, regardless of actions by different regulatory our bodies, such because the U.S. Securities and Trade Fee (SEC), in the direction of main gamers like Binance and Coinbase. Earlier this month, the SEC took authorized motion towards these international exchanges, accusing them of violating U.S. securities legal guidelines.

Nonetheless, Hong Kong’s pro-business authorities has taken a positive method towards crypto, recognizing the potential advantages of the business and actively in search of to determine itself as a hub for the sector.

Hong Kong lately launched a brand new licensing system for cryptocurrency platforms to draw extra firms within the sector to town.