The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Fee (SFC) has issued a warning to buyers concerning three entities suspected of partaking in fraudulent actions associated to digital property or working with out a license. This improvement comes as Hong Kong goals to place itself as a crypto hub to create an enabling setting to drive improvement within the crypto area.
SFC Lists Tokencan, VBIT, HKD.com As Scams
In a press launch on June 28, the Hong Kong SFC positioned a fraud alert on three firms beginning with Tokencan, which the Fee described as a purported digital asset buying and selling platform (VATP).
The SFC acknowledged that Tokencan deceived buyers by utilizing social media channels to drive engagement to its web site the place it claimed to supply crypto buying and selling companies. Nonetheless, following investments, prospects encountered points with withdrawals and had been ultimately barred from accessing their accounts. Notably, the SFC states that Tokencan additionally logged in false data in its registration with the Fee.
The VBIT Alternate was one other entity accused by the SFC of actively posturing as a VATP regardless of the dearth of license from the Fee. As well as, VBIT Alternate has additionally falsely claimed to be registered with a number of native authorities and jurisdictions.
Hong Kong’s SFC additionally warned buyers of the HKD.com Company, an organization with an similar emblem and identify as one other VATP however with no affiliations. Much like Tokencash, buyers have additionally reported challenges in withdrawing their property from HKD.com.
The securities regulator assures all buyers that enforcement actions have been taken towards all aforementioned entities with the police drive shutting down all affiliated web sites and social media channels. However, they suggested all buyers to stay vigilant and have interaction with solely licensed buying and selling companies.
The Fee additionally reiterated to present and potential VATPs the need of gaining a license earlier than commencing operation as stipulated by Hong Kong’s legal guidelines below the Anti-Cash Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance.
Hong Kong’s Journey To Being A Crypto Hub
Along with cracking down on fraudulent and unregistered crypto platforms, Hong Kong continues to take motion in the direction of creating a worldwide crypto hub.
In April, Hong Kong authorised the launch of spot Ethereum and Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETF). For context, a spot ETF is an funding fund that instantly holds a commodity. Spot crypto ETFs enable buyers to realize direct publicity to an asset’s value motion and are a big step within the mainstream adoption of digital property.
As well as, Bitcoinist reported that the Hong Kong Institute for Financial and Monetary Analysis has performed government-sponsored analysis on decentralized finance and the Metaverse because the island nation goals to interrupt new frontiers in these two key sectors of the crypto area.
