Hong Kong SFC Warns Against Virtual Asset Fraud by 3 Firms

As an analyst with a background in financial regulation and experience in the Hong Kong market, I am deeply concerned about the recent warning issued by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) regarding Tokencan, VBIT Exchange, and HKD.com Corporation. These firms have been operating without proper licenses and engaging in fraudulent activities, which is a clear violation of the law.


As a responsible crypto investor, I always keep an eye on regulatory news that could impact the market or my investments. Recently, I came across some concerning information from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). They have issued a warning to investors, including myself, about three firms involved in fraudulent activities related to virtual assets. It’s crucial for us as investors to stay informed about such developments and exercise caution when dealing with these types of entities.

On June 28th, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) expressed apprehensions regarding Tokencan, VBIT Exchange, and HKD.com Corporation. It is reported that these entities have been operating without necessary licenses and have been implicated in fraudulent practices at times.

Tokencan operates in Hong Kong without holding a required license, providing digital asset trading services to clients. However, they were discovered to have submitted misleading documents to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), leading to investor concerns over unresolved withdrawal issues. Consequently, affected accounts were frozen.

VBIT Exchange advertised unlicensed financial services, claiming regulation by various organizations on their website. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has brought up concerns regarding this matter and is conducting an investigation.

The HKD.com Corporation inadvertently adopted the name of a different company with which it has no affiliation. Unsuspecting users were instructed to transfer funds into this account, only to encounter difficulties when attempting to retrieve their deposits later on.

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has notified the Hong Kong Police about this issue to have the involved firms’ websites and social media platforms shut down, preventing others from potential harm. Additionally, the SFC emphasized the importance of staying vigilant against investment scams in the digital realm, as they can target various assets and lead to substantial financial losses.

According to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), it’s illegal to run a virtual asset business, which includes operating a virtual asset exchange, or actively promote such services in Hong Kong without obtaining the necessary license, under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance.

The Hong Kong government is taking a more aggressive stance towards cryptocurrencies and is working to establish regulations in order to shield investors and maintain market stability. A series of directives have emerged aimed at addressing various sectors within the crypto sphere, ensuring the security of users.

Prospective investors are advised to exercise caution and steer clear of potential frauds when making investment decisions.

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2024-06-29 08:21