Compliance as the foundation, RWA as the wings: How does EX.IO build a global benchmark for Hong Kong's Web3 industry?

Article Author, Source: 0xArthur, ME

ME CEO Jessica (left) with EX.IO co-founder and CEO Wu Chen (right)

New Forces in Compliant Exchanges: EX.IO's Dual Base Layout from Sheung Wan to Tin Hau

"I am Wu Chen from EX.IO, you can call me Chen'er." Wu Chen opened with a smile.

As one of the 11 licensed virtual asset exchanges in Hong Kong, she stated that the emergence of EX.IO represents the shift of Hong Kong's virtual asset market from "licensed oligopoly" to "diversity and innovation."

Currently, EX.IO supports trading of mainstream assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and USDC, and allows users to freely convert between bank accounts and digital wallets. "Under a strict compliance framework, users can confidently allocate and invest their assets," she emphasized.

EX.IO is headquartered at 308 Des Voeux Road Central, 2nd Floor, Sheung Wan, and is a licensed virtual asset exchange strictly regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. In the CAI Building at Tin Hau, EX.IO has also set up a global ecosystem office—this symbolizes the open innovation of Web3 while embodying the professional style of traditional finance. "We hope this space becomes a bridge connecting traditional finance and Web3."

Screenshot from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission website

RWA Track: Making Compliance the Engine of Asset Innovation

When asked about EX.IO's business focus, Chen'er pointed out without hesitation that RWA (Real World Assets) will be a key direction for the future.

"Soon, you will see RWA products from Europe, America, and local Hong Kong on our platform," she revealed.

These assets will be issued in a highly compliant manner, initially targeting professional investors and gradually opening up to retail investors. "We hope these products are not only safe but can also be genuinely accepted by large institutions, ultimately benefiting a wider user base."

Chen'er believes that the core value of RWA lies in "injecting new vitality into traditional financial assets using blockchain technology"—EX.IO aims to build a complete RWA ecosystem in primary issuance, secondary trading, and full lifecycle management. "Several projects we are working on are innovations that have never been seen in the market, aiming to make technology truly generate financial efficacy."

From Hong Kong to the World: Middle East Landing and Multi-Region Licensing Layout

In addition to Hong Kong, EX.IO is also actively promoting its internationalization strategy. "We have gradually obtained licenses in the Middle East, and our team and office have already been established," Chen'er shared.

Jessica described EX.IO as standing at "the starting point of launching from the CAI Building and moving towards a global layout."

Chen'er stated that EX.IO will focus on three major strategies as its core development axis:

1. Global Compliance Layout: Continuously applying for and obtaining regulatory licenses in more regions, launching investment products that comply with local regulations.
2. Deepening the RWA Ecosystem: Connecting the complete chain from issuance to trading, promoting the digital transformation of traditional securities assets.
3. Building an Intelligent Financial Ecosystem: Collaborating with AI, DeFi, and intelligent agent platforms to explore innovative scenarios within a compliant framework.

"We hope EX.IO is not just an exchange, but a compliant Web3 ecosystem facing the world," she said. "Let Hong Kong's compliance standards become the benchmark of trust worldwide."

Hong Kong Spirit: Compliance, Innovation, and Global Trust

EX.IO's compliance characteristics are not only its market passport but also its core brand value.

"Our products and services have undergone rigorous reviews by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, pursuing the most stringent standards from security, risk control to operational experience," Chen'er joked, "It's like being peeled hundreds of layers."

She believes that this strict regulatory environment is actually a competitive advantage. "Hong Kong is one of the places with the strictest compliance in the world, which allows institutions and investors to truly feel at ease."

EX.IO's positioning is to start from Hong Kong, the most strictly regulated market globally, and export compliance and trust to the world. "We hope EX.IO becomes a business card for Hong Kong's Web3 industry facing the globe, representing the professionalism and trust of this city."

Conclusion: Sailing Towards a Global Compliance Route

From the Sheung Wan headquarters to the global ecosystem office in Tin Hau, from establishing a foothold in Hong Kong to expanding into the Middle East, EX.IO is setting sail on its global journey with compliance as its sail and innovation as its rudder.

In this new cycle of Web3, compliance is no longer a constraint but a bridge connecting the world; Hong Kong is not only the highest ground of global regulation but also the starting point connecting global capital and innovation.

"We hope this big ship can set sail from Hong Kong, allowing more people to see the power of compliant Web3," Chen'er said.

As EX.IO's direction becomes clearer, a global transformation initiated from the CAI Building is accelerating.