In the global digital asset landscape, OSL Group (HKEX stock code: 00863) has rapidly emerged as an industry leader through its innovative and compliant business model. As Hong Kong's premier listed digital asset company, OSL provides trading services for retail investors, professionals, and institutions. This comprehensive guide explores OSL Exchange's background to help you assess its reliability.
OSL's Historical Development
- Foundation: Originally established as BC Technology Group in 2003 by founder Bin Fang, focusing initially on tech and financial services.
- Listing: Went public on Hong Kong Exchange's Growth Enterprise Market in 2013, transitioning to main board in 2015 (0863.HK).
- Digital Asset Expansion: Pivoted to digital assets in 2018, offering brokerage, exchange, OTC, and custody services.
- Regulatory Milestone: On December 15, 2020, became the first platform licensed by Hong Kong's SFC (Type 1 & 7 regulated activities).
- Retail Market Entry: Approved in August 2023 to serve retail cryptocurrency investors.
- Strategic Investment: BGX Group acquired 30% stake in November 2023, strengthening capital position.
- Japan Market Entry: Acquired FSA-licensed CoinBest in 2024, rebranded as OSL Japan.
- ETF Custody: Currently serves as custodian for Hong Kong-listed Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs.
Core Business Divisions
- Brokerage Services: Institutional OTC and RFQ trading solutions
- Exchange Platform: Spot trading for major cryptocurrencies
- Custody Solutions: Secure digital asset storage including ETF custody
- SaaS Platforms: White-label solutions for institutional clients
Security Measures
OSL implements robust protection protocols:
- Insured Custody: Cold storage solutions with insurance coverage
- Regulatory Compliance: AMLO-licensed with strict AML/CTF protocols
- Enterprise-Grade Infrastructure: Multi-sig wallets and institutional security standards
Competitive Advantages
- Regulatory First-Mover: Pioneer in Hong Kong's licensed crypto ecosystem
- Institutional Focus: Tailored solutions for professional investors
- Market Liquidity: Deep order books across major trading pairs
- Technical Expertise: Proprietary trading engine with API connectivity
👉 Discover OSL's institutional-grade security features
Shareholder Structure (2025)
| Shareholder | Stake % | Details |
|---|---|---|
| BGX Group | 29.95% | Digital asset financial services specialist |
| East Harvest Global | 29.93% | Long-term strategic investor |
| FIL Investment | 2.71% | Fidelity International subsidiary |
| Public Float | 37.41% | Institutional and retail investors |
Financial Performance
H1 2024 Highlights:
- Revenue: HK$123.8M (+17.7% YoY)
- Operating loss reduction: 90.2% improvement
Key Revenue Streams:
- Trading fees (60%)
- Custody services (25%)
- SaaS solutions (15%)
Recent Developments
- TON Listing: Added Toncoin to OTC offerings (Dec 2024)
- Money Market Products: Planned retail tokenized products launch
- Leadership Expansion: Appointed Ivan Wong as CFO (ex-Ant Group, Morgan Stanley)
- Tech Partnerships: Collaborations to enhance trading infrastructure
Future Outlook
Strategic Priorities:
- APAC Expansion: Japan market penetration via OSL Japan
- Product Innovation: Institutional trading tools (Q2 2025)
- Regulatory Leadership: Pursuing additional global licenses
- ETF Ecosystem: Expanding custody services for fund products
👉 Explore OSL's institutional solutions
FAQ: Evaluating OSL's Reliability
Is OSL regulated?
Yes, as Hong Kong's first SFC-licensed virtual asset platform since 2020.
How secure are funds on OSL?
Assets benefit from insured custody, cold storage, and institutional-grade security protocols.
What makes OSL different from other exchanges?
Its public listing status (0863.HK) provides unparalleled transparency among Asian exchanges.
Can retail investors use OSL?
Yes, since 2023 retail approval, though the platform maintains institutional-grade standards.
What cryptocurrencies does OSL support?
20+ major assets including BTC, ETH, TON, with regular new listings.
Conclusion
OSL represents Hong Kong's most regulated digital asset ecosystem, combining:
- Public company transparency
- Institutional-grade infrastructure
- First-mover regulatory advantages
- Expanding global footprint
While crypto investments carry inherent risks, OSL's compliance framework and security measures position it as Asia's premium licensed exchange alternative.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves risk. This content doesn't constitute investment advice. Please conduct your own research before trading.