11 Apr, 2025

Hong Kong SFC Approves Staking for Licensed Platforms and ETFs

Hong Kong has taken another decisive step toward cementing its role as a global digital asset stronghold. On Friday, April 11, 2025, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced it has approved staking services for licensed virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)—a strategic move aimed at deepening the city’s crypto infrastructure.In a statement issued earlier this week, the SFC released new regulatory guidelines permitting staking, a process central to the proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain consensus model. Staking not only secures blockchain networks but also allows investors to earn yield on their digital assets, further integrating traditional investment mechanisms with decentralized technologies.Prior authorization is now a mandatory step for VATPs and ETFs planning to launch staking services. This vetting ensures that client protection and risk disclosure remain central tenets of any offering. Safeguards around staked assets, operational integrity, and transparency were key themes in the SFC’s guidelines—designed to mitigate mismanagement and build investor trust.The announcement ties into Hong Kong’s February crypto roadmap, which outlined regulatory greenlights for margin trading, new token listings, and staking. The roadmap reflects a broader intent to keep pace with international crypto capitals, especially as the United States embraces digital assets under President Donald Trump’s administration.SFC CEO Julia Leung emphasized that expansion in digital finance must go hand in hand with regulatory discipline. “Growth must occur within an architecture of trust,” she noted, referencing the need to secure client assets while encouraging innovation. The new measures not only acknowledge the rising demand for passive crypto income but also bring legitimacy to services often left in regulatory gray zones.Hong Kong’s strategic pivot toward becoming a regulated crypto hub may also help attract both retail and institutional investors, particularly those wary of uncertain global regulations. As Asia-Pacific competition intensifies, the city’s move to authorize staking may serve as a magnet for blockchain startups, digital asset managers, and traditional finance firms looking to tap into new revenue streams.The stage is set for Hong Kong to evolve beyond its traditional financial identity. With staking now officially sanctioned, the city reinforces its ambition to be more than a follower in the blockchain era—it wants to lead.

07 Apr, 2025

Bank of Laos Reduces Transfer Fees on Foreign Currency Deposit Accounts

On 3 April, the Bank of Laos (BOL) made a new announcement, mandating that transfers between foreign currency deposit account holders will incur a fee of 0.3 percent, with charges ranging from USD 1 to USD 30 per transaction. This new regulation is set to become effective on 5 April and applies to all banks across Laos.Daily transfer limits have also been introduced. Individuals can transfer up to USD 10,000 without documentation, while larger amounts will require proof of purpose.Meanwhile, businesses and organizations can transfer up to USD 100,000 without supporting documents, but higher amounts must be verified with documentation.In the case of transfer fees between foreign currency deposit accounts, commercial banks will determine the applicable fees based on specific transaction types. These include transfers between accounts under the same name, transactions between banks and their customers related to loans, deposit and loan interest payments, and service charges.Additionally, transfers involving trading, interest, fees, and service charges linked to securities and bonds at Lao banks, the stock exchange, and securities companies are covered.Transfers made to fulfill obligations to the state, transactions between non-bank payment service providers and their customers, and transfers conducted under Foreign Exchange Administration regulations are also included.This came after the bank’s previous announcement in February, regulating individuals and businesses to prove that they have a legitimate source of foreign currency before opening an account to improve transparency and ensure proper financial management.