Despite China’s strict ban on cryptocurrency trading and mining since 2021, an increasing number of Chinese investors continue to pour millions of dollars into cryptocurrencies daily. This defiance is driven by economic uncertainties and a volatile stock market, leading both individual and institutional investors to exploit Hong Kong’s crypto-friendly environment to bypass China’s stringent crypto regulations.
Shanghai finance executive Dylan Run reports a shift in investor focus to cryptocurrencies due to economic uncertainties in China. Investors are utilizing loopholes, such as rural bank cards and grey market brokers, to trade cryptocurrencies and keep their transactions secret to avoid regulatory scrutiny, despite the government’s strict crypto ban.
Chinese investors are employing creative methods to access cryptocurrencies within a grey area, using cryptocurrency exchanges like OKX and Binance, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) channels. Moreover, Hong Kong’s adoption of a crypto-friendly stance encourages Chinese investors to use annual forex quotas to invest in the region’s cryptocurrency accounts.
Chainalysis, a crypto data platform, reports a significant increase in crypto-related activity in China despite the ban, with an estimated $86.4 billion in transaction volume from July 2022 to June 2023, surpassing Hong Kong’s $64 billion in the same period. This indicates that individual investors are turning to cryptocurrencies despite the bans.
The strict crypto ban in China has led to the emergence of regulated cryptocurrency exchanges and trading platforms in Hong Kong, such as Crypto HK, which allow customers to purchase cryptocurrencies without stringent identity verification. Market observers believe Chinese authorities understand the disruptive potential and immense opportunities of the crypto market and strategically support crypto trading in Hong Kong, which serves as a testing ground for potential changes in China’s stance on cryptocurrencies.