Local crypto firms in talks with Hong Kong’s SFC on crypto staking

Study Places Hong Kong as Leader in Crypto ReadinessHong Kong, according to a recent study conducted by Forex Suggest, has emerged as the leading jurisdiction worldwide in terms of its readiness for cryptocurrencies. The study evaluated various factors such as the number of blockchain startups per 100,000 people and the density of crypto ATMs in relation to the population.Photo by Traxer on UnsplashZero capital gains taxThe attractiveness of Hong Kong for investors in the crypto space stems from its advantageous tax policies. The study noted that Hong Kong does not levy capital gains taxes on cryptocurrency, making it an appealing destination for crypto enthusiasts. The United States and Switzerland secured the second and third positions, respectively, in the rankings of the most crypto-ready countries.In recent times, Hong Kong has actively embraced investments from digital asset companies and is poised to implement new regulations for the industry. Effective from June 1, the city’s new rules aim to establish Hong Kong as a global hub for digital assets. These regulations permit licensed cryptocurrency trading platforms to offer services to retail investors while incorporating measures to safeguard individual traders.Global crypto firms are gearing up for that new licensing approach, carving out separate corporate entities in order to meet the regulatory requirements which the Hong Kong regulator, the Securities Futures Commission (SFC), has set. Another Hong Kong regulator, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), is also opening up to embrace digital asset innovation through a pilot project implicating the tokenization of real world assets.Regarding the number of blockchain startups, Hong Kong boasts three startups per 100,000 individuals, securing the second position globally. Topping the list is Switzerland, with an impressive count of 12.9 blockchain startups per 100,000 residents, amounting to a total of 1,128.The study also highlighted that countries such as Hong Kong, Switzerland, Panama, Portugal, Germany, Malaysia, and Turkey impose the lowest taxes on cryptocurrencies. These nations exempt individuals from capital gains taxes on profits derived from cryptocurrency trading.Crypto ATM proliferationWhen considering the prevalence of crypto ATMs, Hong Kong ranks third globally, with two ATMs per 100,000 people, totaling 149 ATMs. The United States takes the top spot with nearly 34,000 crypto ATMs, but when normalized to the population, it has 10.1 ATMs per 100,000 individuals.Regressive measures in USIn contrast to Hong Kong’s favorable environment, regulators in the United States have intensified their efforts to tighten regulations on cryptocurrency exchanges, leading many within the industry to advocate for clearer guidelines. Consequently, several exchanges are exploring jurisdictions that offer more favorable conditions.Forex Suggest emphasized that the report’s findings were based on extensive data analysis, taking into account factors such as tax regulations, legislation, the presence of blockchain startups, and the level of interest in cryptocurrencies. Each jurisdiction received a normalized score out of 10 for each factor, and the overall rankings were determined by averaging these scores.Hong Kong’s position as the most crypto-ready jurisdiction in the world showcases its commitment to fostering innovation and becoming a global leader in the digital asset space. With its advantageous tax policies, growing number of blockchain startups, and forthcoming regulations, the autonomous Chinese territory is solidifying its position as an attractive destination for businesses and investors in the cryptocurrency space.

In a historic move, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), executed the first cross-border payment for the UAE’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), the "Digital Dirham." Utilizing mBridgeAccording to local news source Gulf News, the transaction, valued at 50 million dirhams ($13.6 million), was conducted directly with China through mBridge. mBridge is a multi-CBDC platform which has been developed to support peer-to-peer cross-border payments in real time. The blockchain-based system was established by the Bank of International Settlements (BIS), in conjunction with the central banks of Hong Kong, Thailand, China and the UAE. The project has an additional 23 central banks and the IMF involved as observers. It’s thought that mBridge can play a vital role for nations to circumvent the use of the U.S. dollar for international trade purposes. Within each participant country, the project has onboarded multiple commercial banks.Photo by Karthik B K on UnsplashMarking CBUAE’s 50th anniversarySheikh Mansour carried out this groundbreaking payment during a celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). The event also witnessed the graduation of the inaugural batch of 1,056 citizens from the "Ethraa" program, a high-level training initiative at the Emirates Institute of Finance aimed at fostering Emirati representation in the financial sector. The ceremony, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, showcased the significant progress and development the CBUAE has undergone over its 50-year history. The apex bank has played a pivotal role in strengthening financial and monetary stability, contributing to economic growth, and implementing innovative projects as part of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme (FIT program) to accelerate digital transformation in the financial services sector. Sheikh Mansour emphasized the leadership's commitment to solidifying the UAE's position as a global financial center, praising the CBUAE's role in enhancing financial and monetary stability, ensuring efficiency in the financial system and supporting economic growth and development. He underscored the leadership's dedication to empowering UAE nationals to become fintech specialists, providing them with skills and knowledge to contribute to the nation's progress. The Vice-President also commended the efforts of all CBUAE employees, the Emirates Institute of Finance and the graduates of the Ethraa program, expressing his best wishes for their success in serving the nation. During the event, Sheikh Mansour was briefed on the services offered by the "Aani" instant payment platform, designed to facilitate fast, secure and convenient fund transfers. He also witnessed the launch of "Open Finance," allowing consumers to connect and share data across the entire financial ecosystem, and the visual identity of the Ombudsman Unit called "Sanadak," the first independent unit for settling banking and insurance disputes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. According to data from the Atlantic Council, 130 nations, accounting for 98% of global GDP, have made some efforts towards exploring the adoption of a CBDC. 11 countries have actually launched a CBDC and 19 of the G20 economies are at the advanced development stage. Meanwhile, a survey report published by the BIS last summer revealed an expectation among central banks that by 2030, we could see the launch of nine wholesale CBDCs and 15 retail CBDCs.  

At the 16th Mint Annual BFSI Summit and Awards in Mumbai, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das reiterated the central bank's cautious stance on cryptocurrencies, regardless of recent global developments. During the event, which was held on Thursday, Das took to the stage. He was asked if the approval of spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States gives legitimacy to cryptocurrency.Photo by rupixen.com on UnsplashUnwavering responseDas was unwavering in his response, maintaining that the RBI remains steadfast in its approach and opposition to cryptocurrencies. He stated: "The way we look at crypto remains unchanged, irrespective of who does what."  He emphasized that the RBI does not intend to emulate regulatory decisions made by other countries. Despite this global development, Das maintained the RBI's reservations, expressing concerns about the potential risks associated with venturing further into the cryptocurrency space. Favoring a crypto banLast month, officials from the Indian central bank told the Hindustan Times that the RBI believes that the Indian government should impose an outright ban on cryptocurrencies in India. One unnamed official stated:"The government cannot sidestep the RBI’s concerns while deciding on cryptocurrencies, as it is responsible for monetary stability in India and maintains price stability." Das acknowledged the potential of blockchain technology, the foundation of cryptocurrencies, highlighting its versatility for various applications. Both the central bank and the Indian government have encouraged the development of blockchain rather than crypto. Last year, an RBI-led initiative, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), recruited blockchain expertise to further develop that project. However, he made it clear that the RBI's focus remains on strengthening governance and assurance in regulated entities, with an emphasis on early identification, close monitoring and effective management of risks. Citing ‘Tulipmania’Das cautioned against a “crypto mania,” drawing parallels to the historical tulipmania of the 17th century. He underscored the RBI's position that embracing cryptocurrencies could pose significant risks, echoing his previous warnings about the macroeconomic and financial stability risks associated with these digital assets. The governor emphasized the importance of instilling an appropriate risk culture within organizations, with active involvement from the board and senior management. Das stated that the RBI expects top officials and board members to play a more proactive role in risk management. India’s crypto community responded critically to the RBI governor’s comments. Ajeet Khurana, a Web3 growth investor, responded on social media, stating:”Dear RBI governor, I respect you a lot, and I don’t mind that you don’t like Crypto. Diverse points of view are healthy. Yet, using words like 'tulip mania' only gives the impression that you are out of touch with what is happening in Web3. My request, Sir, is that you update yourself.” Vivek Sen, the founder of Bitgrow Lab, wrote:”Dear RBI, First, don't club Bitcoin with ‘Crypto’. Secondly, Tulips did not experience an 80% drop on four occasions, and they recovered each time.”Despite opposition to cryptocurrencies in official circles in India, a report last year produced by Chainalysis found that India is leading the way in Asia in terms of grassroots adoption of cryptocurrencies.