Hana Securities Holds Second Event to Promote Security Token Venture

Korea Investment and Securities Completes the Construction of Security Token InfrastructureKorea Investment and Securities (KIS) recently announced that it has become the first securities firm in South Korea to successfully establish an infrastructure for security token offerings.Photo by Joshua Sortino on UnsplashReal-world assetsSecurity tokens are a new class of securities that are based on distributed ledger technology, allowing individuals to invest in real-world assets (RWAs) that can be tokenized. Such assets include real estate, ships, airplanes, and artworks.In March, KIS initiated a security token consortium named “Korea Investment ST Friends,” collaborating with Internet-only banks KakaoBank and Toss Bank, AI company Kakao Enterprise, and blockchain developer Open Asset. Since May, the consortium has been diligently working with the principal objective of constructing an infrastructure leveraging distributed ledgers. Consequently, the group has finalized the development and testing of a system that manages the entire trajectory of security token projects, from issuance to liquidation.Cloud systemSpecifically, KIS has built its infrastructure on a cloud network, bearing in mind that the regulatory framework for security tokens is still in development. This cloud system is capable of adapting to regulatory modifications and implementing improvement updates. Moreover, it utilizes an agile development approach to encourage rapid decision-making and productive collaborations, enhancing time efficiency.Compatibility with the traditional systemThe newly established security token infrastructure is also compatible with the traditional security trading system. Achieving this compatibility posed numerous technical challenges as the new system operates on distributed ledgers, whereas the existing one relies on centralized servers.KIS is preparing to file patents for some of the technologies incorporated into the new system. These technologies encompass the payment of dividends through smart contracts, assurance of immediate settlements using deposits on distributed ledgers, and the management and safeguarding of personal information. By demonstrating the infrastructure’s capability and stability, the securities firm aims to gain a technological edge.Choi Seo-ryong, the head of the platform division at KIS, expects the new infrastructure to mark a significant milestone as distributed ledger technology merges with traditional finance. He further mentioned that the securities company will discover blue-chip assets meeting investor needs while committing to the stable establishment of the regulatory framework and the protection of investors.Moving forward, ST Friends will continue to enhance the stability and functionalities of the infrastructure through a series of field tests related to the entire process of security token products. Aiming to construct a security token ecosystem, the group will also concentrate on developing products by collaborating with various firms, including Korean content investment platform Funderful and real estate trading platform Valuemap.

Hong Kong Enticing Crypto Firms from Mainland ChinaIn the wake of various scandals and high-profile bankruptcies, some governments have shunned the cryptocurrency industry, but Hong Kong is instead embracing mainland China crypto companies, urging them to relocate to the city in a bid to bolster its status as a financial hub.©Pexels/RODNAE ProductionsEmbracing cryptoAfter enduring an exodus of bankers amid a China security crackdown and stringent COVID curbs, Hong Kong is now making a concerted effort to revitalize its finance sector by embracing crypto. Top Hong Kong government officials, including Chief Executive John Lee, have voiced their support, and the city is planning to hold 100 crypto-related conferences and lavish parties throughout April. Hong Kong is “very serious about building an international virtual asset center,” said Xiao Feng, chairman of Hong Kong crypto exchange HashKey, which drew 13,000 people on the first day of its Hong Kong Web3 Festival, the most significant conference of the month.HashKey obtained a license to operate in Hong Kong last November, making it one of two licensed crypto exchanges in the city, alongside rival exchange OSL. Xiao told Reuters that many people in the crypto industry had initially assumed that Hong Kong would inevitably adopt the same regulations as mainland China. However, the government is now emphasizing that Hong Kong operates under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework and enforces distinct laws.SkepticsDespite this, many remain skeptical of Hong Kong’s promise of a stable regulatory regime on cryptocurrencies. One crypto venture capitalist, who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, expressed concern over China’s crypto ban, which still looms large in the background. “If Hong Kong can suddenly claim to be crypto-friendly, that switch can be flipped off just as quickly should things become challenging,” he said.Crypto licensing interestNevertheless, at least 10 companies with Chinese founders, including OKX, Bybit, and Huobi, have announced or are planning to announce their bid for licenses in Hong Kong. These firms, which have exited countries like Canada and the UK, are among the sponsors of the most glamorous Hong Kong parties this week. Bybit held a private dinner for industry heavyweights, and OKX reserved a rooftop venue overlooking Victoria Harbour, where guests could enjoy a stunning view.At one event on Tuesday, Tron founder Justin Sun, addressed a mainly Chinese-speaking audience, stating, “I can’t believe that we are having such conferences on Chinese soil.” Sun has been charged with fraud by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), but he argued that the charges lacked merit and accused the regulator of targeting crypto players. “Hopefully, one day, we will have such events in Shanghai and Beijing,” he remarked.Despite the lingering concerns, Hong Kong is committed to establishing itself as a leading finance hub in the cryptocurrency industry and is sparing no effort to achieve its goals.

X-PLANET to Sell NFTs for 35th Anniversary of Choushinsei Flashman’s Korean ReleaseCom2uS Platform, a subsidiary of Korean game developer Com2uS Holdings, announced last Friday that it will launch non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on its NFT marketplace X-PLANET to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Japanese television show Choushinsei Flashman’s Korean release.Photo by PJ Gal-Szabo on UnsplashFan-favorite showChoushinsei Flashman is a live-action superhero series that gained immense popularity when it was released in South Korea in 1989. The original series produced by Japan’s Toei Animation captivated fans with its dynamic action sequences and the exploration of deeper themes such as family separation and loneliness.Merging the retro and modern worldsX-PLANET is collaborating with Toei Animation and Korean publishing company Daewon Media to carry out the NFT project. The 35th anniversary NFT will officially drop on November 1 at 9:00 AM (UTC) for $150 each. Buyers will receive a 35th-anniversary merchandise set, which includes a Rolling Vulcan figure lamp, a set of Video Home System-themed photo cards, an acrylic phone pop socket, and an acrylic frame. The Rolling Vulcan figure lamp in particular is gaining the most attention, as it is being officially released for the first time in three decades.The marketplace also opened an official mini website dedicated to the event and announced that it would be airdropping NFTs of Mag, the show’s representative robot mascot, on a first-come, first-served basis from Friday until the end of the month.X-PLANET is also planning to hold a Choushinsei Flashman 35th anniversary fan meeting in Korea early next year, which will invite seven Japanese actors from the show plus a secret guest. The sale of NFT tickets to the fan meeting will open in December, the platform said.