Crypto Firms Posing As Banks Face Scrutiny From Hong Kong Regulator

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has warned the public about two foreign-based crypto companies allegedly misrepresenting themselves as banks. The firms were found to have used the term “bank” when describing their products and services, potentially misleading consumers.

HKMA Cracks Down On Crypto Firms Posing As Banks

The HKMA, which also serves as Hong Kong’s central bank, alerted the public today to be wary of two digital asset firms accused of falsely portraying themselves as banks. According to the regulator, such misrepresentation may breach Hong Kong’s Banking Ordinance, which governs the region’s banking sector.

For the uninitiated, the Banking Ordinance is the primary legislation regulating banking activities in Hong Kong. It mandates licensing, supervision, and oversight of banking operations while prohibiting unauthorized entities from presenting themselves as banks or offering banking services.

In its statement, the HKMA revealed that one of the firms claimed to be a bank, while the other advertised a card product on its website as a “bank card.” Such words, the regulator noted, could mislead consumers into believing the firms were operating under HKMA’s supervision. The announcement stated:

Other than licensed banks in Hong Kong, it is an offence for any person to use the word “bank” in the name or description under which the person carries on business, or makes any representation that the person is a bank or is carrying on banking business in Hong Kong.

While the regulator did not disclose the names of the two entities, it emphasized that crypto firms claiming licenses in other jurisdictions are not automatically recognized as licensed banks in Hong Kong.

Despite Hong Kong’s ambition to establish itself as a global hub for cryptocurrency through favorable regulations, the region’s authorities are actively monitoring illegal activities linked to digital assets.

Hong Kong Wants To Become A Global Crypto Hub

Hong Kong’s crypto-friendly stance contrasts sharply with neighboring China, where a blanket ban on cryptocurrency-related activities remains. However, recent reports suggest China may be softening its approach to digital assets following Donald Trump’s 2024 US presidential election victory.

Hong Kong has emerged as one of the most crypto-progressive regions globally, particularly in Asia. According to a recent report by Chainalysis, Hong Kong ranked as the top region in East Asia for crypto adoption.

To enhance its crypto ecosystem, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (HKSFC) approved several Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) earlier this year. This move highlighted the region’s confidence in the potential of digital assets to attract global capital.

In August, Hong Kong residents gained the ability to directly purchase BTC and ETH using Hong Kong or US dollars through the region’s largest online broker. More recently, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE) launched Asia’s first EU-compliant crypto index, further solidifying Hong Kong’s status as a leader in the digital asset space.

Similarly, Hong Kong Legislative Council member Johnny Ng recently made a push to make it easier for crypto and Web3 firms in the region to obtain seamless access to banking services.

While Hong Kong’s regulatory environment aims to nurture the growth of the cryptocurrency industry, challenges persist. One of the primary concerns remains illicit activities, including money laundering through digital assets. BTC trades at $89,915 at press time, down 1.2% in the past 24 hours.