DEX Unlocks Crypto Goldmine: Hong Kong Listed Firms Charge Into Web3.0

·

The global shift toward decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain innovation has ignited a new frontier in digital economics — and Hong Kong is positioning itself at the forefront. With strong policy support, a growing ecosystem of Web3.0 startups, and increasing participation from publicly traded companies, the city is rapidly evolving into a key hub for virtual assets and decentralized technologies.

At the heart of this transformation lies the explosive growth of decentralized exchanges (DEX), which are redefining how digital assets are traded, managed, and scaled. Backed by regulatory clarity and technological advancement, Hong Kong-listed firms are seizing early-mover advantages in this emerging landscape.

👉 Discover how top financial hubs are fueling the next wave of crypto innovation.

Policy Momentum: Hong Kong’s Strategic Push for Web3.0 Leadership

Hong Kong’s government has made it clear: Web3.0 and virtual assets are not just tech trends — they’re strategic pillars for future financial competitiveness. The 2023 Virtual Asset Policy Declaration marked a turning point, affirming the city’s commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining robust oversight.

This vision has been backed by concrete actions:

As of 2025, seven platforms have secured full licenses, with 18 more in the pipeline. This balanced approach — encouraging innovation while enforcing transparency — has built investor confidence and drawn international players to set up operations in Hong Kong.

One of the most anticipated developments is the potential launch of digital Hong Kong dollar (e-HKD). Designed as a central bank digital currency (CBDC), it aims to anchor the virtual economy, enhance cross-border payment efficiency, and reduce reliance on traditional systems like SWIFT. Paired with ongoing collaboration on digital RMB trials, these initiatives are bridging the gap between legacy finance and blockchain-based ecosystems.

Market Surge: Hong Kong Listed Companies Embrace Web3.0

Fuelled by regulatory clarity and infrastructure development, several Hong Kong-listed companies are making bold moves into Web3.0, spanning DEX platforms, data analytics, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

OSL Group (00863.HK): A Regulated Gateway to Digital Assets

OSL Group stands out as Hong Kong’s first licensed virtual asset exchange. In 2024, the company reported a staggering 79% year-on-year revenue increase, reaching HK$375 million, with digital asset trading volume surpassing HK$100 billion. Its technology infrastructure segment — offering SaaS and custodial solutions — saw revenues surge by 415%, driven by rising demand for secure, compliant services.

Market recognition followed: OSL’s stock spiked over 10% in a single day in October 2024, reflecting strong sentiment around its role in ETF custody and institutional-grade trading platforms.

GAMI Technology (08198.HK): Building the Backbone of DEX Innovation

GAMI Technology has emerged as a dark horse in the Web3.0 race. In March 2025, the company raised HK$33.23 million through a share placement, allocating 35% of proceeds to Web3.0 R&D — including development of a DEX aggregator and on-chain data analytics platform.

Leveraging its expertise in data center operations, GAMI is deploying FPGA-powered hardware acceleration modules and advanced virtual machine technologies like Move VM 2.0 and FuelVM to process complex blockchain data in real time. These capabilities enable high-speed transaction parsing and deep-chain analysis — critical components for next-generation DEX performance.

The market responded enthusiastically: GAMI’s share price soared more than 600% from January 2025 levels, underscoring investor appetite for infrastructural plays in the DeFi space.

Other notable entrants include:

👉 See how leading firms are leveraging blockchain to revolutionize financial infrastructure.

DEX Boom: Record Trading Volumes and Institutional Inflows

Decentralized exchanges are no longer niche platforms for crypto enthusiasts. They’ve become core components of global financial infrastructure, with record-breaking metrics across key chains.

On BNB Chain (BSC) alone:

PancakeSwap, the leading protocol on BSC, generates over $1.38 million in fees per day, highlighting both liquidity depth and user retention.

This growth isn’t just retail-driven — institutional capital is flowing in steadily. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S., followed by similar products in Hong Kong (with combined assets under management exceeding HK$2.35 billion), has created a clear on-ramp for traditional investors.

GAMI Technology’s proprietary RWA protocol and 404 asset standard play a crucial role here, enabling off-chain assets — such as real estate or private equity — to be tokenized and traded seamlessly on-chain. This integration streamlines issuance, upgrades, transfers, cross-chain swaps, and trading — forming a complete lifecycle for digitalized assets.

As stated in its annual report:

“We believe growing market demand remains unsaturated. By building scalable platforms early, we aim to become pioneers — capturing market share in mature Web3.0 regions before dominant players emerge.”

Future Outlook: Compliance Meets Cutting-Edge Innovation

Hong Kong’s rise as a Web3.0 powerhouse reflects a powerful synergy between public policy and private innovation.

According to Professor Yang Wang, Vice President of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, real-world asset tokenization will be the fastest-growing sector in 2025. The ability to fractionalize illiquid assets — from art to infrastructure — promises higher liquidity and lower transaction costs, attracting pension funds, family offices, and institutional investors.

Regulatory frameworks continue to evolve:

Meanwhile, the Web3 Hub Fund and digital HKD initiative are expected to draw top talent and venture capital, accelerating the transition from pilot projects to scalable ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a decentralized exchange (DEX)?
A: A DEX is a blockchain-based platform that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies directly from their wallets without intermediaries. It offers greater transparency, security, and control compared to centralized exchanges.

Q: Why are Hong Kong listed companies entering Web3.0?
A: Favorable regulations, access to institutional capital, and early-stage market opportunities make Hong Kong an ideal launchpad for Web3.0 ventures. Companies are leveraging existing financial expertise to build compliant, scalable blockchain solutions.

Q: How does RWA tokenization work?
A: Real-world assets (like property or bonds) are digitized into blockchain tokens representing ownership. These tokens can then be traded on DEXs, enabling fractional ownership and 24/7 global market access.

Q: Is Hong Kong’s digital currency the same as China’s digital yuan?
A: No. While both are CBDCs, the digital Hong Kong dollar (e-HKD) is issued by Hong Kong’s Monetary Authority and operates under “One Country, Two Systems.” It complements — rather than replaces — the digital RMB.

Q: Are DEXs regulated in Hong Kong?
A: While DEXs themselves operate autonomously, any entity providing custodial or intermediary services must comply with SFC licensing requirements. Regulators are actively studying how to apply AML rules to decentralized protocols.

Q: Can individual investors participate in Web3.0 through Hong Kong stocks?
A: Yes. Investors can gain exposure via listed companies like OSL Group and GAMI Technology, which offer indirect access to DeFi, DEX infrastructure, and asset tokenization markets.

👉 Explore how you can access cutting-edge Web3.0 investment opportunities today.

Core Keywords:

With policy tailwinds, technological breakthroughs, and strong market momentum, Hong Kong is emerging as a global nexus where traditional finance converges with decentralized innovation — paving the way for a new era of digital value creation.