The Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange JPEX has temporarily halted its trading activities following an investigation by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). This development comes in the wake of the arrest of an individual associated with the exchange, according to local media reports.
The SFC has revealed that JPEX has been operating within Hong Kong without obtaining the necessary licensing, raising regulatory concerns. Numerous complaints have been filed against the platform, prompting the SFC to take action.
In response to these challenges and the broader negative sentiment, JPEX stated on its blog. The exchange cited “unfair treatment by relevant institutions in Hong Kong” as contributing to its current predicament. JPEX claimed that its partnered third-party market makers had frozen funds, demanding additional information for negotiation purposes. This action has resulted in liquidity constraints and a significant rise in daily operational costs, hampering the exchange’s ability to continue functioning smoothly.
To address these liquidity challenges, JPEX announced delisting all transactions on its Earn Trading interface, effective from the upcoming Monday. However, the exchange pledged to maintain ongoing orders and adjust withdrawal fees. Additionally, JPEX is considering a potential restructuring as a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), which could provide more flexibility and resilience in the face of regulatory pressures.
Local media in Taiwan reported that JPEX’s Taipei office has recently been vacated, and authorities have reportedly questioned Taiwanese influencers hired by the exchange. These developments underscore the regulatory scrutiny that JPEX is facing in Hong Kong and other regions.
On its website, JPEX claims to hold licenses from securities authorities in Australia and registration with the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as a Money Services Business (MSB). However, the recent events raise questions about the exchange’s compliance and regulatory standing.
The suspension of JPEX’s operations and the broader regulatory investigation highlight the challenges and complexities surrounding cryptocurrency exchanges, particularly in regions with evolving regulatory frameworks. As the cryptocurrency industry matures, compliance with local and international regulations becomes paramount for exchanges seeking to maintain their operations and reputation in the market.
