Starting June 1, 2025, Hong Kong will officially implement its new virtual asset regulatory framework, marking a pivotal shift in the region's approach to cryptocurrency. The updated rules will introduce a licensing regime for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), paving the way for regulated crypto exchanges and fostering a more transparent, secure environment for digital asset trading. This landmark policy positions Hong Kong as a leading hub for Web3 innovation and blockchain infrastructure development in Asia.
With clearer regulations on the horizon, investor confidence is rising. The market is responding positively to projects that align with compliance, real-world utility, and strong regional partnerships—especially those with ties to China’s evolving blockchain ecosystem. In this article, we explore six high-potential crypto projects that stand to benefit significantly from Hong Kong’s progressive stance.
👉 Discover how regulatory clarity is reshaping crypto investment strategies in Asia.
1. NEO (NEO): The Compliant Smart Contract Pioneer
NEO, launched in 2014 as Antshares, is a Layer 1 blockchain platform often referred to as the “Chinese Ethereum.” It aims to provide a developer-friendly environment for smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Unlike many decentralized networks, NEO emphasizes regulatory compliance and collaboration with institutional frameworks—a strategic advantage under Hong Kong’s new rules.
As one of China’s earliest homegrown blockchain protocols, NEO has long been aligned with national technological priorities. Its focus on legal compatibility makes it well-suited for adoption within tightly regulated markets. Though低调 (low-key) in global marketing, NEO has maintained consistent development and ecosystem growth.
With Hong Kong’s crypto-friendly policies taking effect, NEO could see renewed interest from institutional investors seeking compliant blockchain exposure. Its long-term vision and regulatory foresight position it as a strong candidate for sustained value appreciation.
2. VeChain (VET): Revolutionizing Supply Chain Transparency
VeChain is a Layer 1 blockchain designed specifically for enterprise-grade supply chain management. Founded in 2015 by Sunny Lu, former CIO of Louis Vuitton China, VeChain leverages blockchain to enhance traceability, authenticity, and operational efficiency across industries.
The project has established deep roots in China through strategic collaborations with major corporations such as Haier (one of China’s largest appliance makers) and China Tobacco. It has also partnered with the Guizhou provincial government on a blockchain-based carbon credit trading pilot—an initiative that underscores its alignment with national sustainability goals.
Recognized by China’s Cyberspace Administration as a “National High-Tech Enterprise,” VeChain enjoys credibility and trust within the domestic market. Its real-world applications address critical challenges in logistics, anti-counterfeiting, and environmental accountability—issues that impact millions globally.
VET tokens are widely available on leading exchanges like Crypto.com, Huobi, and KuCoin, making them accessible to international investors. As supply chain digitization accelerates across Asia, VeChain is poised to expand its footprint.
👉 Explore how blockchain is transforming global supply chains—with real impact.
3. Conflux (CFX): Bridging China and Global Web3
Conflux, launched in 2018, is a public, permissionless Layer 1 blockchain that uniquely operates at the intersection of Chinese regulation and global decentralization. Marketed as China’s only compliant public blockchain, Conflux supports cross-border digital transactions while maintaining alignment with local laws.
The network has gained official recognition from the Shanghai government, which designated Conflux a “Key Innovative Blockchain Platform” and provided financial support for its development. Partnerships include tech giant Baidu, McDonald's China, Oreo, and the Shanghai Wine & Spirits Blockchain Alliance—all leveraging Conflux for product authentication and data integrity.
A major catalyst emerged in February 2025 when Conflux partnered with China Telecom to launch the Hong Kong Virtual Blockchain BSIM Card. This SIM card integrates wallet functionality, private key isolation, and Web3 access directly into mobile devices—potentially lowering the barrier to entry for mainstream users.
This innovation could dramatically increase wallet adoption in Hong Kong and beyond. Following the announcement, CFX surged nearly 300% in a single week, peaking above $0.35. With growing institutional backing and scalable infrastructure, Conflux may become a cornerstone of China’s sanctioned blockchain ecosystem.
4. Huobi (HT): A Legacy Exchange Going Local
Huobi, now rebranded as Huobi Global (or “HuoBi” in Chinese), is one of the world’s longest-standing cryptocurrency exchanges. Under the leadership of TRON founder Justin Sun, the platform is relocating its operations to Hong Kong—a strategic move ahead of the June 1 licensing deadline.
By establishing a regulated presence in Hong Kong, Huobi aims to become the first officially licensed centralized exchange serving Chinese-speaking markets. This gives it a competitive edge over offshore platforms lacking compliance credentials.
HuoBi has already launched HuoBi Hong Kong, offering trading services for major cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, TRX, DOGE, and SHIB—all compliant with local regulations. The platform also offers innovative tools like Huobi Wallet to help users transition into Web3 securely.
Strategic alliances with major Chinese enterprises such as JD.com and CITIC Group further reinforce its legitimacy. As retail and institutional demand grows in the region, Huobi is well-positioned to capture significant market share.
5. Filecoin (FIL): Decentralized Storage with Chinese Backing
Filecoin is a decentralized storage network built on top of IPFS (InterPlanetary File System). As the incentive layer for IPFS, Filecoin enables users to rent unused hard drive space and earn FIL tokens in return—creating a robust marketplace for data storage.
The project has strong ties to China through investments from prominent firms like Sequoia Capital China and Distributed Capital. Additionally, several Chinese startups—including IPFSMain—are building decentralized data solutions on Filecoin’s infrastructure.
A recent endorsement came from Times Universal Group Holdings, a Hong Kong-listed company that purchased 12,000 FIL at an average price of $53.33 per token. This institutional vote of confidence highlights growing trust in Filecoin’s long-term viability.
As data sovereignty and secure cloud storage become increasingly important in Asia, Filecoin’s distributed model offers a resilient alternative to traditional cloud providers.
6. Alchemy Pay (ACH): Bridging Crypto and Fiat in Asia
Alchemy Pay is a leading crypto payment gateway that connects digital assets with real-world commerce. As one of Asia’s first hybrid payment solutions, it allows merchants to accept both cryptocurrencies and fiat through a single interface—supporting over one million businesses worldwide.
The platform recently announced integration with Google Pay, enabling users to purchase crypto directly via mobile wallets. In April 2025, Alchemy Pay launched a month-long advertising campaign across Hong Kong International Airport and public transit systems under the theme “I love Hong Kong, I love Bitcoin, I love ACH.”
This high-visibility campaign signals its commitment to becoming the go-to payment rail in the region. With the rollout of ADPS 2.0—an upgraded decentralized payment system featuring DeFi aggregation and trust verification—ACH token utility is set to expand significantly.
ACH holders benefit from governance rights, network incentives, and usage fees within the ecosystem. As Hong Kong embraces digital payments, Alchemy Pay could emerge as a key infrastructure player.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How will Hong Kong’s new crypto regulations affect investors?
A: The new rules create a safer, more transparent environment for crypto trading by requiring licensing and compliance from exchanges. This boosts investor confidence and may attract institutional capital into compliant projects.
Q: Are these projects only relevant to Chinese investors?
A: While they have strong ties to China or Hong Kong, their technologies—like supply chain tracking (VeChain), decentralized storage (Filecoin), and compliant blockchains (Conflux)—have global applications and investor appeal.
Q: Is it safe to invest in projects linked to China?
A: These projects operate within legal frameworks and emphasize compliance. However, all crypto investments carry risk—always conduct due diligence before investing.
Q: What makes Conflux different from other blockchains?
A: Conflux is uniquely positioned as a government-recognized public blockchain in China. Its BSIM card innovation combines telecom infrastructure with Web3 access, offering mass-market potential.
Q: Where can I buy these tokens safely?
A: Most of these tokens—NEO, VET, CFX, HT, FIL, ACH—are listed on major exchanges like OKX, Binance, and KuCoin. Always use reputable platforms with strong security measures.
Q: Will Hong Kong become a global crypto hub?
A: With clear regulations, tax incentives, and support for Web3 startups, Hong Kong is rapidly emerging as Asia’s premier destination for blockchain innovation.
The convergence of regulatory clarity, technological advancement, and strategic partnerships makes this an exciting time for crypto in Hong Kong. Projects like NEO, VeChain, Conflux, Huobi, Filecoin, and Alchemy Pay represent the forefront of compliant innovation—blending real-world utility with long-term growth potential.
As adoption accelerates across finance, logistics, identity verification, and digital payments, these ecosystems are likely to play central roles in shaping the future of decentralized technology in Asia—and beyond.
👉 Stay ahead of the next wave of compliant crypto innovation—start exploring today.