Hong Kong Crypto Platform OSL Acquires Canadian Firm, Shares Surge

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The Hong Kong-based digital asset platform OSL Group has seen its stock price surge by 10% following the announcement of its acquisition of Canadian crypto infrastructure provider Banxa. This significant jump brought OSL’s market capitalization to HK$9.6 billion—the highest level in nearly four years—and marks an impressive year-to-date gain of over 91%. Banxa’s shares also rose 5% on the news, reflecting strong investor confidence in the strategic move.

The acquisition, announced last Friday, is the latest in a series of international expansions for OSL over the past year. It underscores the company's aggressive push to strengthen its global footprint amid growing institutional and retail interest in digital assets.

Strategic Expansion Through Acquisition and Licensing

Ivan Wong, Chief Financial Officer of OSL, emphasized that the Banxa deal will accelerate the company’s global expansion strategy. “We will continue advancing our global growth through a dual approach: strategic acquisitions and proactive licensing applications,” he said.

Banxa, headquartered in British Columbia and listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, is a leading payments infrastructure provider with operations spanning more than 150 countries and holding 45 regulatory licenses worldwide. Its robust compliance framework and established fiat-to-crypto on-ramp solutions make it a valuable addition to OSL’s growing ecosystem.

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This acquisition enhances OSL’s ability to offer seamless, compliant access to digital assets across multiple jurisdictions—a critical advantage as regulators worldwide tighten oversight of crypto transactions.

Ambitions in Stablecoin Issuance and Cross-Border Payments

A key pillar of OSL’s long-term vision is becoming a major player in cross-border payments through stablecoin issuance. Wong confirmed that the company plans to issue fiat-backed stablecoins via offshore entities registered in Hong Kong. The city is currently developing a regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers, aligning with global trends toward greater transparency and financial stability.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted the potential of stablecoins in a recent blog post, noting they could significantly speed up cross-border transactions and support economies facing geopolitical challenges. With this endorsement from top government officials, the path toward regulated stablecoin adoption in Hong Kong appears increasingly clear.

Beyond Hong Kong, OSL intends to launch stablecoins in multiple jurisdictions, tailoring each issuance to local regulations and market demands. This multi-region strategy positions OSL at the forefront of the next wave of financial innovation—where blockchain technology meets real-world utility.

Global Licensing and Market Entry Strategy

Since repositioning itself entirely around digital assets last year, OSL has made substantial progress in expanding its international presence:

These moves reflect a disciplined, compliance-first approach to global growth—one that prioritizes regulatory alignment over rapid but risky market entry.

Wong reiterated that obtaining local licenses remains central to OSL’s strategy. “Regulatory credibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of trust in digital finance,” he said.

Investing in Real-World Asset Tokenization

In addition to exchange operations and stablecoin development, OSL is increasing investment in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization—a rapidly emerging sector where traditional assets like real estate, bonds, and commodities are converted into blockchain-based digital tokens.

Tokenization unlocks liquidity, improves transparency, and enables fractional ownership of high-value assets. For institutions and retail investors alike, it represents a bridge between legacy finance and decentralized ecosystems.

OSL sees RWA tokenization as a core growth driver over the next five years and is actively building partnerships with asset managers, custodians, and legal frameworks to support compliant offerings.

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Leadership and Vision: The Story Behind OSL

Founded by Fang Bin (also known as Matthew Fang), OSL Group—originally named BC Technology Group—has evolved from a niche tech venture into one of Asia’s most influential digital asset platforms.

Fang holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Xi’an Jiaotong University, followed by a Master’s from the University of Delaware and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After working in fintech and IT research across the U.S. and Asia, he established BC Technology Group in Hong Kong in 2003 with a clear mission: to build a secure, compliant platform for digital asset trading and custody.

Under his leadership, the company:

This regulatory milestone solidified OSL’s reputation as a trusted player in a highly volatile industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is OSL Group?
A: OSL Group is a Hong Kong-based digital asset platform offering institutional-grade exchange, custody, and brokerage services. It was one of the first companies to receive a retail crypto exchange license from Hong Kong’s SFC.

Q: Why did OSL acquire Banxa?
A: The acquisition strengthens OSL’s global payments infrastructure, expands its regulatory footprint across 45 jurisdictions, and enhances its fiat-on-ramp capabilities—key components for scaling international operations.

Q: Is OSL planning to issue stablecoins?
A: Yes. OSL intends to issue fiat-backed stablecoins through offshore entities based in Hong Kong and other regulated markets, aligning with upcoming local regulations.

Q: Where does OSL operate globally?
A: OSL has secured licenses or completed acquisitions in Australia, Japan, Europe, and Canada, with ongoing expansion plans in Indonesia and three other regions this year.

Q: What are real-world assets (RWA) in crypto?
A: RWAs refer to physical or traditional financial assets—like real estate or bonds—that are tokenized on a blockchain, enabling greater liquidity, transparency, and accessibility.

Q: How can I stay updated on OSL’s developments?
A: Follow official announcements via financial news outlets and regulatory filings. For insights into broader digital asset trends, explore educational resources on compliant blockchain innovation.

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Core Keywords

With its strategic acquisitions, focus on regulated innovation, and bold vision for stablecoins and asset tokenization, OSL Group is positioning itself as a leading force in the next era of global finance—powered by blockchain, grounded in compliance.