Recently, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong issued a public warning regarding MEXC, a virtual asset trading platform that is operating without the necessary licenses within the city’s jurisdiction. The SFC explicitly stated that MEXC has been targeting Hong Kong investors without proper authorization from the regulatory body.
According to the SFC, MEXC’s operations in the city-state are in direct violation of local laws, specifically the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance. This ordinance prohibits the carrying on of a virtual asset service, such as operating a virtual asset exchange, without the required license. The SFC emphasized that actively marketing such services to Hong Kong investors without proper authorization is also considered an offense under the law.
This is not the first time that the SFC has raised concerns about MEXC. Earlier in the year, the regulator issued a warning about scammers pretending to be affiliated with the crypto trading platform. These scammers were using phishing links with addresses that appeared similar to those of MEXC in an attempt to lure unsuspecting victims into fraudulent schemes. If necessary, the SFC indicated that regulatory action may be taken against the platform to address these illegal activities.
In light of these developments, the SFC cautioned crypto investors against participating in trading activities on unregistered platforms like MEXC. The regulator emphasized that investors face significant risks, including the potential loss of their investments, if they engage with platforms that do not have the necessary licenses to operate within the jurisdiction. The warning is especially timely considering the recent closure of the registration window for crypto firms seeking licensing in Hong Kong.
Enforcement Actions
The SFC made it clear that it will not hesitate to take enforcement actions against unlicensed activities in the crypto space when deemed appropriate. As part of its regulatory responsibilities, the SFC maintains a list of suspicious virtual asset trading platforms, and entities like MEXC that operate without proper authorization are subject to regulatory scrutiny and potential enforcement measures. Unregistered entities, including MEXC, have until the end of May to cease their operations in Hong Kong or face further regulatory actions from the SFC.
By issuing these warnings and highlighting the risks associated with unlicensed crypto platforms, the SFC aims to protect investors and maintain the integrity of the financial market in Hong Kong. It is crucial for investors to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before engaging in any form of virtual asset trading to mitigate potential risks and safeguard their investments.