Why Are Hong Kong Crypto Custodians Clashing With Exchanges?

• Hong Kong crypto custodians and exchanges disagree on asset custody.
• Zodia’s CEO advocates for independent management of client assets.
• Only a few exchanges have complied with licensing requirements in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s cryptocurrency custodians and exchanges find themselves at odds over the custody of customer assets, sparking a contentious debate within the city’s burgeoning crypto industry.

At the forefront of this dispute is Zodia Custody, a company backed by the British banking giant Standard Chartered. Zodia’s CEO, Kal Chan, has been vocal in advocating for regulatory oversight specifically tailored to cryptocurrency custodians. Chan asserts that the current practice of exchanges managing both their funds and client assets could lead to perceptions of assets commingling, undermining trust in the market.

This sentiment is echoed by Zodia’s desire to work closely with regulators to develop regulations that would allow custodians to manage client assets independently, separate from exchange operations. According to Chan, such a regulatory framework would instill confidence among institutional investors, who prioritize security and transparency when choosing where to store their digital assets.

However, not everyone in the industry shares Chan’s viewpoint. Gary Tiu, executive director and head of regulatory affairs at OSL, a licensed Hong Kong-based exchange, argues that the existing regulatory framework already ensures the protection of customer assets. Tiu contends that any perceived duopoly in custody services is a result of market maturity rather than regulatory shortcomings.

OSL, along with Hashkey, another licensed exchange, currently dominates the custody market in Hong Kong. Both companies handle customer funds in addition to operating as exchanges. Tiu emphasizes that these platforms undergo rigorous annual audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and safeguard client assets.

Despite the opposing stances, there are signs that regulators may be open to considering changes. Chan hopes for a consultation period later this year, signaling a willingness from regulators to address concerns raised by custodians.

The proliferation of unregulated crypto trading platforms in Hong Kong further complicates the debate over custody regulations. Financial regulators have been urging exchanges to apply for licenses, but only a few have so far complied. This regulatory push indicates the need for clear guidelines regarding custody practices in the cryptocurrency market.