The Hong Kong financial landscape is witnessing a significant shift as a publicly listed company, Xinhuo Technology, steps into the digital asset arena with the launch of a new cryptocurrency exchange — New Huo HK. This move has sparked widespread interest in both traditional finance and blockchain circles, especially given the high-profile figures behind it. The platform already supports trading pairs for Bitcoin (BTC/USD), Ethereum (ETH/USD), and Tether (USDT/USD), signaling a strategic push toward regulated crypto services tailored for professional investors.
As Hong Kong strengthens its position as a compliant hub for virtual assets in Asia, initiatives like New Huo HK reflect growing institutional confidence in blockchain-based financial infrastructure — provided they operate within clear regulatory frameworks.
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A Strategic Move by Former Huobi Leaders
At the heart of this development are two well-known names in the crypto industry: Leon Li (Li Lin), former founder of Huobi Global, and Du Jun, co-founder of the Huobi Group. After exiting Huobi Global, Li took control of Xinhuo Technology — a company now listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange — where he serves as non-executive director and controlling shareholder, holding approximately 53.37% of issued shares.
Du Jun was appointed Chief Executive Officer in November 2022, replacing Wu Shupeng, who stepped down to pursue other ventures. Zhang Li joined as Chief Financial Officer, forming a leadership team deeply experienced in blockchain innovation and capital markets.
Despite speculation about New Huo HK being an official product, Du Jun recently clarified via social media that while Xinhuo Technology will launch several credible offerings this year, the New Huo HK platform is not among them.
“I’ve received many private messages overnight regarding Xinhuo Technology — thank you all for your concern,” Du Jun wrote. “Xinhuo is a Hong Kong-listed entity regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). All official information will be disclosed through formal announcements.”
He emphasized that interested parties should refer to filings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange website for accurate updates.
Regulatory Compliance at the Core
One of the most critical aspects of New Huo HK is its alignment with Hong Kong’s strict financial regulations. According to public records, Xinhuo Asset Management — a subsidiary — has partnered with Coinbase, one of the world’s most regulated crypto exchanges, to offer discretionary account management services for virtual assets.
This makes Xinhuo one of the first licensed institutions in Hong Kong authorized to manage crypto portfolios on behalf of professional investors using Coinbase’s secure trading infrastructure.
Under Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Ordinance, professional investors must meet specific financial thresholds:
- Individuals: At least HK$8 million in investment portfolio (cash, securities, etc.)
- Corporations or partnerships: HK$8 million in investable assets or HK$40 million in total assets
- Trust corporations: Minimum HK$40 million in total assets
This focus on high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients underscores Xinhuo’s strategy: building a compliant gateway between traditional finance and digital assets.
👉 Learn how institutional investors are entering the crypto market through regulated platforms.
New Huo HK: Trial Platform or Full-Fledged Exchange?
While the New Huo HK website is live and displays BTC/USD, ETH/USD, and USDT/USD trading pairs, there is currently no visible trading volume or registration option. Upon attempting to log in, users are greeted with a notice stating the service is exclusively for professional investors.
This suggests that the site may be operating as a testbed or demonstration platform during ongoing regulatory applications. Xinhuo Technology has confirmed it is actively pursuing financial and digital asset licenses across key jurisdictions — a necessary step before any public rollout.
Although no transaction activity is visible yet, the inclusion of major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum indicates preparation for full market operations once approvals are secured.
Why This Matters for the Crypto Ecosystem
The emergence of New Huo HK reflects broader trends:
- Mainstream adoption: Publicly traded firms are increasingly embracing blockchain technology.
- Regulatory clarity: Hong Kong continues to set standards for licensing crypto platforms.
- Institutional access: By targeting professional investors, platforms like New Huo HK reduce systemic risk while enabling capital inflow.
Moreover, former Huobi staff reportedly joining Li Lin’s new venture suggest internal momentum and long-term vision beyond mere branding exercises.
Core Keywords Driving Visibility
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- Hong Kong cryptocurrency exchange
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These keywords align with user search intent around compliance, investment opportunities, and market developments in Asia’s evolving digital asset ecosystem.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is New Huo HK officially launched?
A: Not yet. It appears to be a trial platform during regulatory review. No trading volume or registration is currently available.
Q: Who can use New Huo HK?
A: The platform states it serves only professional investors as defined by Hong Kong law — individuals or entities meeting minimum asset thresholds.
Q: Does Du Jun confirm New Huo HK as a Xinhuo product?
A: No. Du Jun clarified that while Xinhuo Technology has upcoming products, New Huo HK is not one of them at this time.
Q: What crypto pairs does New Huo HK support?
A: Currently listed pairs are BTC/USD, ETH/USD, and USDT/USD — all stable or major coin pairings indicating a focus on mainstream adoption.
Q: Is Xinhuo Technology regulated in Hong Kong?
A: Yes. As a listed company, it falls under the oversight of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
Q: Can retail investors participate in Xinhuo’s crypto services?
A: Not directly through New Huo HK. However, their partnership with Coinbase allows professional clients to access managed crypto accounts.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Institutional Crypto in Asia
As regulatory frameworks mature across Asia, Hong Kong stands out as a jurisdiction balancing innovation with investor protection. Platforms like New Huo HK — even if still in early stages — represent critical steps toward bridging traditional finance with decentralized technologies.
With strong leadership, clear compliance pathways, and strategic partnerships like the one with Coinbase, Xinhuo Technology is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. Whether New Huo HK evolves into a fully operational exchange will depend on licensing outcomes and market readiness — but the foundation is undeniably being laid.
For investors and enthusiasts tracking the convergence of capital markets and blockchain, 2025 could mark a turning point where regulated access becomes the norm rather than the exception.