In an evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring secure and compliant services has become essential—especially for users in Hong Kong. To maintain the highest standards of safety and legality, platforms operating in the region require users to complete a comprehensive Know Your Customer (KYC) process before gaining access to certain financial products, particularly stablecoin trading.
Completing your personal KYC verification not only ensures compliance with local regulations but also unlocks advanced features and higher transaction limits. This guide walks you through each step of the verification process, helping you understand the requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and successfully complete your identity authentication.
👉 Start your secure KYC verification process today and unlock full platform access.
Understanding KYC and Its Importance
KYC, or Know Your Customer, is a standard procedure used by financial institutions and digital asset platforms to verify the identity of their users. It helps prevent fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities while protecting both the platform and its users.
For Hong Kong residents, completing KYC is mandatory to qualify for stablecoin trading and other regulated financial services. Without full verification, access to these services will be restricted.
The personal KYC process on Hong Kong-based platforms typically includes seven core components:
- Identity Verification
- Name Screening
- Cryptocurrency Knowledge Test
- Risk Tolerance Assessment
- Proof of Address
- Professional Investor Certification & Declaration
- Client Agreement Acceptance
Let’s explore each step in detail.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Personal KYC
Step 1: Access the Verification Section
Begin by hovering over your profile icon located in the top-right corner of the navigation bar. Click on Account and Security, then select Identity Verification to enter the verification center.
You’ll be directed to a dashboard that divides your progress into two sections:
- Current Steps to Complete
- Upcoming Required Steps
Only steps marked with a clickable "Go to Verify" button are currently available. Some verifications must be completed in sequence due to dependencies.
(A) Identity Verification
This is the foundational step in the KYC process.
- Select your country/region of issuance and the type of identification document (e.g., Hong Kong ID card, passport).
- Prepare your valid ID and ensure it’s not expired.
- Upload clear photos of both the front and back of your document.
- Ensure your full name and date of birth are clearly visible.
- After uploading, complete a facial recognition scan using your device’s camera to confirm biometric identity.
This step verifies who you are and links your physical identity to your account.
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(B) Name Screening
Once your identity document is verified, name screening begins automatically. This process checks your name against global sanctions lists, politically exposed persons (PEP) databases, and anti-money laundering (AML) watchlists.
While this usually runs in parallel with identity verification, in rare cases, the system may send an email requesting additional information. Be sure to check your inbox—including spam folders—for any follow-up requests.
(C) Proof of Address
To confirm residency, you must submit a valid proof of address document.
Accepted documents include:
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
- Bank statements
- Tax notices
- Government-issued residence certificates
Requirements:
- Must be issued within the last 3 months
- Must show your full name and Hong Kong residential address
- Only Hong Kong-based addresses are accepted
- File formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF (under 50 MB)
Verification can take up to 2 hours, though most results are processed faster.
(D) Cryptocurrency Knowledge Test
This assessment evaluates your understanding of digital assets and their associated risks.
- The test covers topics such as blockchain technology, wallet security, market volatility, and regulatory considerations.
- If you fail, don’t worry—you can review educational resources like the Platform Academy or Help Center before retaking it.
- Demonstrating knowledge ensures you’re making informed decisions when trading cryptocurrencies.
Platforms use this step to promote responsible investing and user education.
(E) Risk Tolerance Assessment
This questionnaire helps determine your investment profile based on financial goals, experience, and risk appetite.
- Questions may cover income level, investment experience, loss tolerance, and financial objectives.
- Results do not constitute investment advice, but they help determine whether crypto trading aligns with your risk profile.
- If your assessment indicates low risk tolerance, you may not pass this stage.
- You can retake the test every two weeks, up to three times.
This step supports investor protection by discouraging high-risk behavior among unsuitable candidates.
(F) Professional Investor Certification & Declaration
To trade stablecoins in Hong Kong, you must qualify as a professional investor.
Who Qualifies?
An individual qualifies if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Personal investment portfolio worth HK$8 million or more in securities and deposits
- Joint accounts with related parties valued at HK$8 million+
- Share in joint accounts (with unrelated parties) that collectively meet the threshold
- Full ownership of a company whose primary business is investment holding
You’ll need to upload supporting documents such as brokerage statements or corporate registration papers.
- Accepted formats: .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .gif, .pdf
- Maximum file size: 50 MB
- Processing time: Up to 24 hours
(G) Client Agreement
After completing all previous steps, review and accept the Client Agreement. This legally binding document outlines:
- Terms of service
- Privacy policies
- Dispute resolution procedures
- User responsibilities
Once accepted, your KYC process is officially complete.
🎉 Congratulations! You now have full access to regulated products—including stablecoin trading—on the platform.
To view submitted data later, click the eye icon next to each section. Note: You’ll need to enter a Google Authenticator verification code for security purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why do I need to complete KYC to trade stablecoins?
A: Stablecoins are subject to strict financial regulations in Hong Kong. KYC ensures compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws and investor protection standards set by regulators like the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
Q: How long does the entire KYC process take?
A: Most users complete verification within 24 hours, though some steps (like professional investor review) may take up to a day. Ensure all documents are clear and up-to-date to avoid delays.
Q: Can I use a non-Hong Kong address for proof of residence?
A: No. Only Hong Kong residential addresses are accepted for local platform compliance. Foreign address proofs will be rejected.
Q: What happens if I fail the cryptocurrency knowledge test?
A: You can retake the test after reviewing educational materials provided by the platform. There’s no penalty for failing—only a requirement to demonstrate basic understanding before proceeding.
Q: Is facial recognition safe during identity verification?
A: Yes. Reputable platforms use encrypted biometric scanning that does not store raw facial data. The process is designed to prevent identity theft and ensure account security.
Q: Can I change my investor status after certification?
A: Yes. If your financial situation changes, you can update your professional investor status by resubmitting documentation or modifying your risk profile through the settings panel.
Final Thoughts
Completing personal KYC verification is more than just a regulatory hurdle—it's a critical step toward building a secure, trustworthy digital financial future. By verifying your identity, proving residency, demonstrating knowledge, and certifying investor status, you gain access to powerful tools for managing digital assets responsibly.
Whether you're new to crypto or an experienced trader, taking the time to fully complete each step ensures long-term access and peace of mind.
👉 Complete your KYC now and unlock advanced trading features on a compliant platform.