Philippines security token exchange readies for trading in Hong Kong

Inbase Partners, a Taiwan-based adviser for companies issuing digital tokens, said its licensed security token exchange CEZEX in the Philippines will start offering trading services in Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2019, vying to become the first exchange that offers regulated security token trading.

Security tokens are subject to various securities laws among different jurisdictions when it comes to issuing and dealing.

Inbase Partners managing partner Carlos Salas said CEZEX is regulated and licensed by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), which manages the special economic zone located northeast of Luzon, Philippines.

In partnership with a licensed broker dealer in Hong Kong, CEZEX will offer a regulated, compliant digital token trading service, according to Salas.

“We have taken the existing financial system and digitalised it. CEZEX is not much different from a traditional exchange. But instead of trading securities, we trade asset-backed security tokens,” said Salas.

A security token derives its value from an external, tradeable assets. Some regulators will deem a digital token a security token if it confers to their holders the right to receive dividends. A utility token usually gives its holder only a right to use the issuer’s product or service.