Crypto Exchange FTX Quits Hong Kong
The digital assets derivatives exchange has moved its headquarters to Nassau, the Bahamas, citing friendlier regulation and no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in-country.
The company’s chief executive officer, 29-year-old billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried told industry publication Blockworks that the proactive stance taken by The Bahamas and its regulatory bodies on cryptocurrencies» is one of the primary reasons FTX is moving to the Caribbean island.
Ryan Salame, recently appointed CEO of FTX Digital Markets, will be responsible for leading its local initiatives in the Bahamas. In addition, FTX Digital Markets will be expanding its presence in the country to support transferred and local employees.
Hong Kong authorities have been taking an increasingly hard stance towards cryptocurrencies, barring non-accredited investors from accessing the local crypto market.
Blockworks experts also cited unclear regulations around custody and inconsistencies with how the city’s different regulatory bodies treat crypto as reasons why firms in this sector are finding it increasingly hard to operate in Hong Kong.