Hong Kong’s SFC Has Received Multiple Requests for Crypto ETFs
The SFC is reviewing its regulatory regime for virtual assets.
Nov 3, 2021 at 5:25 a.m. UTCUpdated May 11, 2023 at 4:34 p.m. UTC
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In recent months, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has received “a number” of requests from local companies that want to offer crypto-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to their private bank and professional clients, SFC Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Julia Leung said.
- Speaking at Hong Kong Fintech Week, the SFC director gave a “glimpse” of the regulatory issues involved with ETFs including whether retail users be allowed access to crypto ETFs through online brokers, and should they face additional restrictions compared to non-crypto ETFs.
- However, she did not give any indication of the regulator’s decisions on ETFs.
- The SFC is currently reviewing its regulatory regime for crypto to see if it is still “fit for purpose,” Leung said.
- Under the regime, virtual asset service providers have to be licensed to operate in Hong Kong and can only offer services to professional investors, defined as individuals with a portfolio of over HK$8 million (US$1 million) or companies with more than $5 million in total assets. SFC-regulated fund managers can invest up to 10% of their gross asset value in crypto, and can apply for a special license if they wish to invest more.
- Last month, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved the first bitcoin futures ETF.
- In August, Leung said that Hong Kong should crack down on unlicensed crypto trading.
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Eliza Gkritsi is a CoinDesk contributor focused on the intersection of crypto and AI.