Crypto exchanges Gate.io, OKX retreat from Hong Kong licensing efforts Crypto exchanges Gate.io, OKX retreat from Hong Kong licensing efforts
Hong Kong's financial regulator SFC has licensed only 2 crypto exchanges in the region.
2 min read
Updated: May. 24, 2024 at 7:20 pm UTC
Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.
Two prominent global exchanges’ subsidiaries — Gate.io and OKX — have withdrawn their applications for an operational license in Hong Kong in the last two days.
This decision reflects a broader trend, as eight firms—including exchanges backed by Binance and HTX—have also abandoned their licensing efforts in the city-state, according to a notice on the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) website.
Meanwhile, the regulator is still reviewing applications from several other crypto exchanges, including Crypto.com, Bullish, and Matrixport. Notably, the SFC has approved licenses for only two exchanges in the region, OSL and HashKey.
OKX bows out
In a May 24 notice, Hong Kong-based crypto exchange OKX HK announced the withdrawal of its application for a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license in the region. The exchange stated:
“OKX will cease to provide centralized virtual asset trading services to Hong Kong residents by 31 May 2024 (Friday) in accordance with regulatory requirements. Customer funds remain safe and withdrawal services will not be affected. After 31 May 2024, customers will only be able to withdraw.”
Consequently, OKX advised its customers to refrain from making deposits after May 31, as these deposits may not be processed automatically. The exchange also set an Aug. 31 deadline for users to withdraw their assets from its platform.
Gate.HK application withdrawal
Similarly, Gate.io’s Hong Kong unit announced on May 23 that it had withdrawn its application for a virtual asset trading platform license.
The firm explained that the decision was part of a comprehensive platform overhaul strategy that would halt the registration of new users, deposits, and marketing activities in Hong Kong. Additionally, the platform intends to delist all major tokens, including Bitcoin, Polkadot, Ethereum, and others.
The platform said it will cease all trading services by May 28 and advised users to withdraw their assets before Aug. 28.
Launched in 2023, Gate.HK submitted its license application to the SFC in February in compliance with new regulations mandating that exchanges serving Hong Kong customers must obtain an operational license in the region.
Mentioned in this article
Author 
Oluwapelumi Adejumo
Oluwapelumi values Bitcoin's potential. He imparts insights on a range of topics like DeFi, hacks, mining and culture, underlining transformative power.
Latest Hong Kong Stories
Featured Story
Advertise Here
In this article
Bitcoin, a decentralized currency that defies the sway of central banks or administrators, transacts electronically, circumventing intermediaries via a peer-to-peer network.
Ethereum
$3,671.33
Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps).
Polkadot
$7.65666
Polkadot development is on track to deliver the most robust platform for security, scalability, and innovation.
OKX
OKX is a world-leading digital asset exchange, providing advanced financial services to global traders by using blockchain technology.
Binance
Binance is a global cryptocurrency exchange that provides a platform for trading more than 100 cryptocurrencies.
HTX
Huobi, a virtual asset exchange, launched a revised branding strategy on September 13, 2023, where “Huobi” will be rebranded as “HTX.” “H” stands for Huobi, “T” represents TRON with a commitment to being all in TRON, and “X” stands for the exchange.
Hashkey Capital
HashKey Capital is an institutional asset manager investing solely in blockchain technology and digital assets.
