Huobi crypto exchange aims to expand to Hong Kong amid regulatory changes

Cryptocurrency exchange Huobi Global is seeking a license in Hong Kong, as the Chinese special administrative region considers new licensing and regulatory moves that would allow them to serve retail customers.

The new framework, which requires crypto exchanges to register with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), would allow the exchange to expand its services to the city. Huobi also plans to open a new exchange named Huobi Hong Kong that would concentrate on institutional and high-net-worth individuals, according to a tweet thread by Justin Sun.

The SFC has recently opened the new Hong Kong licensing proposals for public comment, with the new regime to go into effect in June. News of the expected changes led to financial services providers lining up to take part in the new, expanded system in December.

Exciting news! Huobi is stoked about Hong Kong's pro-crypto policies & we're working hard to secure our crypto license there. Our aim is to be one of the first fully compliant exchanges in HK & collaborate with our Asia-Pacific users to drive digital asset growth! #Huobi #Crypto pic.twitter.com/ktZw1WE2cs

Sun said in an interview with Nikkei Asia that Huobi may increase its staff in Hong Kong from 50 to 200 this year. Sun said Hong Kong’s friendlier stance on crypto and the possibility of retail sales motivated the expansion.

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Huobi announced a layoff of 20% of its staff in January, characterizing it as part of the company’s restructuring after Sun’s takeover in October. The exchange announced in February that it was closing down its Huobi Cloud Wallet in May, due to “strategic and product adjustments.“

According to Nikkei Asia, Huobi is also considering moving its headquarters to Hong Kong from Singapore.

Huobi is expanding services in other regions as well. It announced in January that it is launching a Visa-backed crypto-to-fiat debit card that Huobi customers residing in the European Economic Area will be able to use worldwide. That card is expected to be available in the second quarter of this year.