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Aussie crypto exchange hints interest in Hong Kong base, but it’ll depend

The CEO of Independent Reserve says Hong Kong's "friendly" licensing regime makes it a worthy destination to set up shop, but there are other factors to consider.

Australia-based crypto exchange Independent Reserve is looking at opportunities to set up shop in Hong Kong, as the city continues efforts to become a cryptocurrency hub. 

Set to take effect in June, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) released a proposed licensing regime for cryptocurrency exchanges on Feb. 20 in line with its ambitions to become Asia’s next crypto hub.

Independent Reserve co-founder and CEO, Adrian Przelozny told Cointelegraph the “friendly” licensing regime makes Hong Kong a worthy destination to set up a new base, something his firm is now strongly considering.

“Right now it is looking very interesting [...] The recent announcement by the regulators in Hong Kong does make Hong Kong look like a friendly jurisdiction.”

“We see Hong Kong as a good opportunity for Independent Reserve and we’re always looking at new areas in Asia where we can expand our business,” he added.

The potential move would follow the likes of its peers Huobi and OKX.

CEO Adrian Przelozny pictured in center with COO Lasanka Perera (left) and CTO Roman Stefanidi (right) Source: Independent Reserve

Under the new licensing regime, Hong Kong-based crypto companies will need to comply with a range of measures relating to the safe custody of assets, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC) and counter-financing of terrorism countermeasures along with conflict of interest disclosures and audits.

Przelozny said his team is visiting Hong Kong next week to meet with banks, regulators, lawyers and compliance experts to determine if it’s suitable to expand to.

Commenting on the region's political relationship with China, Przelozny believes China is testing how a more relaxed cryptocurrency regime looks in Hong Kong.

If successful, he believes China may follow suit:

“The Chinese government is using Hong Kong as a testnet to experiment with a looser cryptocurrency regime to see what impact that has on the business landscape there. If they see it as a positive thing, then I think there’s a chance they'll roll it out through China and loosen their existing restrictions.”

Similar remarks were made by Tron CEO Justin Sun in a December interview on Bloomberg.

He is of the view that China is using Hong Kong as an “experiment base” so that it can make a final decision on where its policy stance lies.

Related: Hong Kong’s crypto ambition gets subtle nod from Beijing: Report

Przelozny is, however, cautious it may only represent a “transitory experiment” which could be reversed in the future.

If Independent Reserve is satisfied with the regulatory landscape, Przelozny said the last checkbox to tick will be how expensive it is to open up shop there and what it thinks the return on investment will be for doing so.

Independent Reserve operates as a licensed virtual-asset service provider in Singapore.

It also recently launched Bitcoin.com.au after purchasing the domain name for $2 million ($3 million AUD).

Over 80 cryptocurrency firms across mainland China and elsewhere have expressed interest in establishing a presence in Hong Kong of late, according to a March 20 statement by Christian Hui, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury.

Magazine: Best and worst countries for crypto taxes — Plus crypto tax tips

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