ChainCatcher news, according to Portal Do Bitcoin, Argentina's Financial Information Unit (UIF) and the Securities Commission (CNV) have conducted on-site supervision of a Bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchange for the first time to identify risks related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and the financing of weapons of mass destruction.This inspection is part of the UIF's 2024 annual regulatory plan and took place at an undisclosed exchange in the city of Rosario, Santa Fe Province. According to Resolution No. 49/2024, virtual asset service providers are required to report to the UIF and register with the CNV. This move comes as Argentina increases its vigilance against cryptocurrency-related scams, with recent reports of unregistered platforms involved in fraudulent activities.

ChainCatcher news, the CEO of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, Ashley Alder, stated that the first phase of on-site inspections for virtual asset trading platforms (VATP) has been completed. The deficiencies identified during the on-site inspections have been communicated to the applicant platforms, requiring improvements.Alder added that the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission will announce the next phase plan in due course. Platforms that meet the standards will be granted conditional licenses. Applicant platforms that have been pointed out by the Commission for deficiencies must submit improvement plans to the Commission. Similar to the previous VATP transition period, the next phase plan will also include a deadline. Those who fail to meet the requirements within the deadline will lose their "considered for licensing" status and will orderly cease their operations in Hong Kong.

ChainCatcher news, the 12-month licensing transition period for virtual asset trading platforms has ended, with 11 platforms temporarily considered as licensed. The CEO of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, Ashley Alder, stated that further research will be conducted to determine whether all applications meet regulatory requirements. All institutions "considered as licensed" will receive notifications one by one for on-site inspections, and will be required to correct any non-compliance with regulations; otherwise, applicants will have to exit. It is hoped that the relevant institutions will prepare adequately, and if they meet the qualifications, they are expected to gradually obtain licenses before the end of the year.

ChainCatcher message, Hong Kong Legislative Council member Wu Jiezhuang stated on platform X: "Yesterday, regarding the views shared by Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin on developing virtual asset projects in Hong Kong, I respect his right to speak, but I also believe he does not understand or recognize the situation in Hong Kong. I sincerely invite Mr. Vitalik to come to Hong Kong to understand the situation. I am willing to coordinate with relevant institutions and enterprises to share the situation in Hong Kong with him."In addition, he added that Hong Kong is a special administrative region with a sound process for formulating policies and laws. Under the 'one country, two systems' principle, Hong Kong has legislative power. As a member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to share with everyone that every policy or law in Hong Kong undergoes a period of discussion, including government drafting of policies, public consultations, discussions in multiple committees of the Legislative Council, and plenary discussions. Therefore, I hope Vitalik understands the actual situation; there is no complex situation between the country and Hong Kong as he mentioned. The central government has always expressed support for the development of 'one country, two systems' in Hong Kong, so there is space for Hong Kong to formulate policies for virtual assets, and we welcome compliant enterprises from around the world to develop in Hong Kong."Wu Jiezhuang concluded: "Hong Kong's policies and laws will not change from day to day; all relevant strategies and regulations are formed through significant social consensus and complete procedures. Therefore, I can tell Mr. Vitalik that Hong Kong's policies are very stable."