Hong Kong has issued a warning regarding two
suspicious investment offerings named “Floki Staking Program” and
“TokenFi Staking Program”. These programs, enticing investors with promises of high annual returns ranging from 30% to over 100%, have caught the attention
of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)for their dubious nature.
The SFC, responsible for overseeing financial
activities in Hong Kong, has raised concerns over the legitimacy of these
staking programs. According to the watchdog, neither “Floki Staking
Program” nor “TokenFi Staking Program” has received
authorization to offer services to Hong Kong’s public.
Additionally, the administrators of these programs
have allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the
feasibility of achieving such high returns. The SFC has cautioned against
engaging in staking arrangements involving virtual assets, as they
may constitute unauthorized collective investment schemes.
The regulator noted that investors participating in
such offers would not be protected under the SFC’s regulations, leaving them
vulnerable to substantial financial losses.
Additionally, the SFC has emphasized its commitment to enforcing
regulatory standards and protecting investors from fraudulent schemes. It
mentioned that any breach of the law, including the promotion of unlicensed
collective investment schemes, will be met with appropriate legal action.
The Rise of Crypto Staking
Staking allows users to earn rewards by contributing
to the blockchain’s security. When users stake cryptocurrency, they contribute
to a staking pool, akin to depositing money into a savings account. The proof
of stake mechanism validates transactions, ensuring the security and
decentralization of the blockchain.
Investors are increasingly drawn to staking for its
potential profitability. Staking rewards typically range from 5-20%, with some
cryptocurrencies consistently offering impressive returns. However, according to a recent guide by Finance Magnates, caution is
advised against schemes promising unrealistic returns.
Last year, the SFC and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) joined forces to establish a dedicated working group to bolster
vigilance and enforcement in the evolving sector of Virtual Asset Trading
Platforms (VATPs). This collaboration signified a shared commitment to safeguarding investors and
proactively addressing the challenges of virtual asset trading.
The authorities seek to streamline the
exchange of information, focusing on suspicious activities and breaches within
VATPs. The SFC and the HKPF aim to fortify the regulatory framework surrounding virtual
asset trading by facilitating swift responses to emerging threats.
A Fraud Survey
We invite you to participate in our joint survey conducted
by FXStreet and Finance Magnates Group, which explores prevalent online
financial fraud types, platforms used for fraudulent activities, effectiveness
of countermeasures, and challenges faced by companies in tackling such fraud. Your
valuable insights will help inform future strategies and resource allocation in
combating financial fraud.
Social Media Scams: Help Shape the Fight with Your 2024 Survey Participation.
Hong Kong has issued a warning regarding two
suspicious investment offerings named “Floki Staking Program” and
“TokenFi Staking Program”. These programs, enticing investors with promises of high annual returns ranging from 30% to over 100%, have caught the attention
of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)for their dubious nature.
The SFC, responsible for overseeing financial
activities in Hong Kong, has raised concerns over the legitimacy of these
staking programs. According to the watchdog, neither “Floki Staking
Program” nor “TokenFi Staking Program” has received
authorization to offer services to Hong Kong’s public.
Additionally, the administrators of these programs
have allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the
feasibility of achieving such high returns. The SFC has cautioned against
engaging in staking arrangements involving virtual assets, as they
may constitute unauthorized collective investment schemes.
The regulator noted that investors participating in
such offers would not be protected under the SFC’s regulations, leaving them
vulnerable to substantial financial losses.
Additionally, the SFC has emphasized its commitment to enforcing
regulatory standards and protecting investors from fraudulent schemes. It
mentioned that any breach of the law, including the promotion of unlicensed
collective investment schemes, will be met with appropriate legal action.
The Rise of Crypto Staking
Staking allows users to earn rewards by contributing
to the blockchain’s security. When users stake cryptocurrency, they contribute
to a staking pool, akin to depositing money into a savings account. The proof
of stake mechanism validates transactions, ensuring the security and
decentralization of the blockchain.
Investors are increasingly drawn to staking for its
potential profitability. Staking rewards typically range from 5-20%, with some
cryptocurrencies consistently offering impressive returns. However, according to a recent guide by Finance Magnates, caution is
advised against schemes promising unrealistic returns.
Last year, the SFC and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) joined forces to establish a dedicated working group to bolster
vigilance and enforcement in the evolving sector of Virtual Asset Trading
Platforms (VATPs). This collaboration signified a shared commitment to safeguarding investors and
proactively addressing the challenges of virtual asset trading.
The authorities seek to streamline the
exchange of information, focusing on suspicious activities and breaches within
VATPs. The SFC and the HKPF aim to fortify the regulatory framework surrounding virtual
asset trading by facilitating swift responses to emerging threats.
A Fraud Survey
We invite you to participate in our joint survey conducted
by FXStreet and Finance Magnates Group, which explores prevalent online
financial fraud types, platforms used for fraudulent activities, effectiveness
of countermeasures, and challenges faced by companies in tackling such fraud. Your
valuable insights will help inform future strategies and resource allocation in
combating financial fraud.
Social Media Scams: Help Shape the Fight with Your 2024 Survey Participation.
