Donald Day, chief operating officer of fintech start-up firm VDX, and the former in-house cryptocurrency/digital asset expert at Hong Kong’s capital markets regulator, the Securities and Futures Commission, sits down to chat with Regulatory Ramblings host Ajay Shamdasani. 

They discuss Donald’s time as a regulator, the importance of broadening the policy discussion beyond just being about cryptocurrencies to envisaging a future where virtual assets are a key part of daily commerce, as well as the importance of digitization, and Hong Kong’s ideal position as a global fintech and digital asset hub, the HKSFC’s new virtual asset service provider regulatory regime and its implications for legal and compliance staff, and some of the aims of CFAAR’s local chapter almost a year after its formation.

Topic Takeaways

| Chapter 1
- Bitcoin was created to establish a payment system independent of central entities, but intermediaries are still needed for fiat-to-crypto exchanges.
- Regulation is necessary for the involvement of institutional investors and professionals from traditional finance in the crypto industry.

|  Chapter 2
- Insurance companies and risk management tools are crucial for the growth and stability of the crypto industry.
- Proper regulation is needed to facilitate institutional adoption and provide risk mitigation measures.

 |  Chapter 3
- Blockchain technology has the potential to reduce mistakes in the medical field.
- Regulations should be implemented to ensure responsible access and modification of medical records on the blockchain.

|  Chapter 4
- Singapore is seen as a frontrunner in marketing itself as a fintech and digital asset hub.
- Hong Kong's stability and accountability make it attractive despite past regulatory criticisms.
- Strong regulation is essential for sustainable growth in the digital asset market.

|  Chapter 5
- Digital assets have broader applications beyond cryptocurrencies.
- Tokenizing real-world assets and providing liquidity can create a more accessible market.

|  Chapter 6
- Fintech encompasses more than just crypto and digital assets.
- The focus should be on solving real problems and improving people's lives.

 | Chapter 7
- The new regulatory requirements aim to enhance compliance and prevent money laundering in the crypto industry.
- Existing platforms have a grace period to comply with the new licensing regime.

 |  Chapter 8
- Experience in compliance, especially in areas like market surveillance, is invaluable in the digital asset industry.
- Building a compliance team with experienced individuals helps engage with regulators and clients effectively.

| Chapter 9
- CFAAR aims to engage, enhance, and educate the industry and legal system on compliance for digital assets.
- Legal professionals need to understand tools available for fraud prevention and detection in the digital asset space.

|  Chapter 10
- Blockchain and ledger records are helpful but require additional investigation for asset tracing and recovery.
- Tracing digital assets involves understanding technical complications, but tools are available for legal and law enforcement agencies.

 | Chapter 11
- Hong Kong's stable regulatory framework for digital assets is commendable and encourages growth in the industry. 

HKU FinTech is the leading fintech research and education in Asia. Learn more at www.hkufintech.com.