According to information available on the local regulator’s website, HTX’s Hong Kong entity, HBGL Hong Kong Limited, commonly known as Huobi HK, has resubmitted its application to operate as a “virtual asset trading platform,” offering retail trading services.
Initially, Huobi HK submitted its application for the exchange license last week but abruptly withdrew it three days later on Feb. 23, as reported by the South China Morning Post, citing the Securities and Futures Commission’s list of license applicants. However, the company has since resubmitted the application, as evidenced by the updated information on the SFC’s website, with the resubmission taking place on Monday.
In response to queries regarding the matter, a spokesperson for HTX clarified that Huobi HK operates independently from HTX. Despite attempts to reach out for further comments, Huobi HK did not immediately respond to The Block’s request for comment.
The deadline for crypto trading platforms to submit their license applications in Hong Kong is set by the Hong Kong SFC, with those failing to do so by Feb. 29 facing a requirement to cease their operations in Hong Kong by May 31.
In contrast to the broader crackdown on crypto trading and mining in neighboring mainland China, Hong Kong has embraced crypto firms. In June 2023, Hong Kong launched its crypto licensing regime for virtual asset trading platforms, permitting licensed exchanges to offer retail trading services. Currently, Hong Kong has granted licenses to two platforms — HashKey and OSL.
