Hong Kong regulator points tokenized investments necessities amid demand

The Securities and Futures Fee (SFC) of Hong Kong laid down the enterprise necessities for providing tokenized securities and different funding merchandise in a round launched Nov. 2.

The market demand in Hong Kong for tokenized funding merchandise mixed with the varied advantages of blockchain know-how turned one of many key drivers for the SFC to think about issuing public pointers on tokenizing the securities and futures market.

With the conclusion of the intently watched central monetary work convention, China has outlined future priorities and instructions for the pursuit of the nation’s high-quality monetary improvement. pic.twitter.com/Jq4ax0cb3X

— SFC TALK (@sfc_talk) November 2, 2023

The circular broadly particulars 12 factors, emphasizing 4 elements — tokenization association, disclosure, intermediaries and employees competence — for eligibility in issuing tokenized securities-related actions.

The intent behind the tokenization of SFC-authorized funding merchandise is tied to the rising market demand and the federal government’s willingness to facilitate market improvement. Contemplating that the underlying product can meet all of the relevant product authorization necessities and the extra safeguards to handle the related dangers, the SFC acknowledged:

“By adopting a see-through strategy, the SFC is of the view that it’s acceptable to permit main dealing of tokenized SFC-authorised funding merchandise.”

Suppliers are anticipated to take full duty for his or her tokenized merchandise and guarantee efficient record-keeping, giant threat urge for food and reveal operational soundness, amongst different elements. The SFC additional clarified:

“Product Suppliers mustn’t use public-permissionless blockchain networks with out extra and correct controls.”

Concerning disclosure necessities, suppliers want to obviously disclose whether or not settlements occur off-chain or on-chain and show the possession of tokens always. Lastly, the SFC may also require suppliers to “have at the very least one competent employees with related expertise and experience to function and/or supervise the tokenization association and to handle the brand new dangers regarding possession and know-how appropriately.”

Associated: HSBC and Ant Group test tokenized deposits under HKMA sandbox

Regardless of federal efforts to tokenize funding merchandise, the curiosity in crypto for Hong Kong locals witnessed a big decline.

The latest JPEX scandal in Hong Kong has despatched shockwaves by the crypto group. A brand new survey exhibits the way it’s affecting belief within the digital asset house.
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— tanjiro (@tanjiroNFTs) October 17, 2023

A survey performed by The Hong Kong College of Science and Expertise’s enterprise faculty revealed that the alleged JPEX’s $166-million scandal negatively impacted the investor’s willingness to spend money on crypto.

Out of the 5,700 respondents, 41% of respondents would like to not maintain digital property.