OSL Account Opening Guide: Registration and KYC Process for Hong Kong's Licensed Exchange

To assist you in starting your digital asset trading journey quickly and smoothly, we have prepared this comprehensive guide to account opening and verification.

This article outlines the 9-step process for Basic Accounts (Retail Investors) and explains how to upgrade to Professional Investor (PI) status to unlock enhanced trading privileges.

Part 1: Basic Account Registration & KYC Process (Retail Investors)

Upon completing the basic registration, you will default to a [Retail Investor] status, allowing you to trade major assets such as BTC, ETH, and SOL. Please prepare your identity document, proof of address, and a bank account under your own name, and follow these 9 steps to complete compliance verification:

Phase 1: Account Creation & Basic Verification

Step 1: Register Account

Enter your email address and set a strong login password. Read and accept the Terms and Conditions to proceed to the verification process.

Step 2: Verify Mobile Number

Enter your mobile number and complete the SMS verification.

💡 Analyst Tip: Please ensure the mobile number used corresponds to the country of your "Proof of Address" to align with risk management protocols and avoid audit delays.

Phase 2: Identity & Address Verification

Step 3: Identity Document & Biometrics

Follow the system prompts to upload clear photos of the front and back of your ID document, followed by a real-time facial biometric scan.

Step 4: Personal & Tax Information

• Nationality: Must match the country shown on your passport.

• Tax Information: For Hong Kong residents, your Tax Identification Number (TIN) is your Hong Kong Identity Card number. Please include the digit/letter in the brackets but do not enter the brackets themselves (e.g., for A123456(7), enter A1234567).

Step 5: Submit Proof of Address (Critical)

Upload an official document showing your full name and residential address (e.g., bank statement, utility bill). Commercial addresses or P.O. Boxes are not accepted.

• Format Requirements: Must be a full page (A4) or a complete PDF/JPG/JPEG/PNG file without cropping.

• Validity: Must be issued within the last 3 months.

• Name Matching: The full name on the document must exactly match the name on your provided ID or Passport.

Phase 3: Compliance Assessment & Activation

Step 6: Occupation & Asset Questionnaire

To meet compliance and suitability assessment requirements, please truthfully declare your occupation, source of income, and asset status. Accurate and complete information will expedite the approval process.

Step 7: Digital Asset Knowledge Quiz

Complete an 8-question quiz regarding digital asset risks and basics. A perfect score is required to proceed.

Step 8: Electronic Signature

Sign your name exactly as it appears on your identity document.

Step 9: Bank Transfer Verification (Account Activation)

To comply with SFC regulations, you must transfer a verification deposit of HKD 10,000 to OSL using a bank account strictly under your own name. (Transfers from third-party or joint accounts are strictly prohibited).

Part 2: Advanced Guide — Upgrading to Professional Investor (PI)

If you have more diverse investment needs, we recommend applying to upgrade to Professional Investor (PI) status.

Why Upgrade to PI?

Compared to Retail Investors, PI status unlocks the following privileges:

• Expanded Trading Pairs: Access to trade USDT, USDC, LINK, and other popular digital assets.

• Higher Trading Limits: Enjoy higher single-transaction limits for efficient capital allocation.

• Flexible Asset Management: Support for deposits and withdrawals in a wider range of currencies.

You may click the links below for more details:

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  Trading pairs
  

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  Deposit & withdrawal fees and limits
  

Eligibility: Who Qualifies as a PI?

According to regulations, you qualify if you (or your entity) hold a portfolio worth not less than HKD 8 million (or foreign currency equivalent) within the last 3 months. Qualifying funds can come from:

• Your personal investment portfolio.

• Joint accounts with associates (e.g., spouse).

• Your share of a joint account with non-associates, based on a written agreement (or equal share).

• Investment portfolios of corporations wholly owned by you with investment holding as their principal business.

Upgrade Steps & Required Documents

Prepare one of the following documents issued within the last 3 months and submit your application via customer support or the account dashboard:

• Account statement issued by a bank or a licensed custodian.

• Asset proof issued by an auditor or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

• Relevant public financial documents (e.g., public company reports).

• (If applicable) A copy of the agreement regarding share division in a joint account.

Compliance Note: To maintain PI status, per SFC requirements, you must update and provide these proof documents annually.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is strict KYC verification mandatory for registering with OSL?

Q2: Is the "HKD 10,000 Bank Transfer Verification" a fee?

Q3: Can I register with OSL without a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card?

Q4: What are the tangible benefits of upgrading to OSL "Professional Investor (PI)"?

If you encounter any issues during registration or verification, please email [email protected], and our professional support team will assist you promptly.