The third-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, OKX, has withdrawn its application to operate in Hong Kong and promises to stop providing virtual asset trading services to local residents by May 31.

The exchange administration has notified Hong Kong users that due to changes in business strategy in the region, it has decided to withdraw its application for a virtual asset service provider (VASP) license.

In accordance with the announced plan, after May 31, OKX clients will only have access to withdrawal operations. The exchange team recommended that all Hong Kong users withdraw all assets from their accounts by August 31, 2024. It has been announced that after this date, direct transfer or withdrawal transactions will no longer be possible.

In February, Seychelles-based cryptocurrency exchange HTX decided to withdraw its application for a virtual asset service provider license in Hong Kong.