HashKey crypto exchange sees bumpy Hong Kong debut after $206M IPO

cointelegraphPublished on 2025-12-17Last updated on 2025-12-17

Abstract

Hong Kong's largest cryptocurrency exchange, HashKey, debuted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) after raising $206 million in an initial public offering (IPO). The stock opened at HK$6.7 ($0.86) but experienced significant volatility, briefly rising 5% before falling below the IPO price to as low as HK$6.1 ($0.78). The IPO was heavily oversubscribed, with the Hong Kong portion 394 times oversubscribed. HashKey is the first publicly-listed digital asset company in Asia to go public via a Hong Kong IPO. CEO Xiao Feng emphasized the company's commitment to compliance and long-term growth. The listing is part of a broader trend of crypto companies going public in 2025.

HashKey, Hong Kong’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has made its trading debut on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKEX) following a $206 million initial public offering.

Shares of HashKey Holdings officially listed on the HKEX main board on Wednesday, opening at 6.7 Hong Kong dollars ($0.86), according to data from the exchange.

Announcing the news in a blog post, HashKey Group said the exchange became the first publicly traded digital asset company in Asia to go public through an IPO in Hong Kong.

“This milestone marks the company’s entry into a new stage of development and establishes a stronger foundation for its global expansion and long-term strategic initiatives,” the company stated.

HashKey stock slides following the oversubscribed raise

Launched on Dec. 9, HashKey’s IPO has received massive demand from institutional and retail investors, selling a total of 240 million shares for 1.6 billion HK$ ($206 million), according to the company’s HKEX filings.

The Hong Kong offering was oversubscribed by nearly 394 times with 24 million shares sold, while the international IPO reached 5.5 times the amount of stock on offer, selling 216.5 million shares.

*Allotment results data in HashKey’s Hong Kong public offering. Source: HKEX*

The raise attracted nine cornerstone investors, including Cithara Global Multi-Strategy SPC, UBS AM Singapore, Fidelity and CDH. Cithara and UBS were the largest investors, allocating around 17.5 million shares and 11.7 million shares, respectively.

In its public debut, HashKey experienced notable volatility during the morning session, with the stock briefly surging about 5% above its opening price to 7.1 HK$ ($0.91), before sliding to as low as 6.1 HK$ ($0.78).

*HashKey stock’s info and price chart. Source: HKEX*

The stock continued to trade slightly below the IPO price during the afternoon session, or around 6.5 HK$ ($0.84).

“Listing on the HKEX is a starting point that resembles greater responsibility,” HashKey chairman and CEO Xiao Feng said at the listing ceremony.

Related: Figure Technology files second IPO to bring native equity issuance to Solana

“As a company deeply rooted in Hong Kong, we have always believed that compliance is essential for achieving long-term success and sustainable growth,” the CEO noted, highlighting the company’s plans to enhance its infrastructure, security and compliance.

HashKey’s public debut joins a growing list of crypto companies going public in 2025, including the UDSC (USDC) stablecoin issuer Circle, as well as crypto exchanges Bullish and Gemini.

The US crypto exchange Kraken announced the confidential filing of a draft registration statement for a proposed IPO in November.

Near Returns to the AI Stage: Transformation into a Public Chain Due to 'Payroll Difficulties,' Agent and Privacy Emerge as New Growth Narratives

NEAR Returns to AI Origins: From Payroll Struggles to Blockchain, Now Focusing on AI Agents and Privacy NEAR Protocol's journey began not with grand blockchain ambitions, but from a practical hurdle: its AI startup founders, including Transformer paper co-author Illia Polosukhin, couldn't efficiently pay international developers in 2017. This led them to pivot and build a high-performance, scalable blockchain. After years navigating various crypto narratives like sharding and cross-chain interoperability, NEAR is now leveraging its AI roots to re-enter the AI arena. A key driver is its "NEAR Intents" layer, which abstracts complex cross-chain transactions. Users simply state their goal (e.g., swap BTC for ETH), and a solver network finds the optimal route. This system has processed over $20B in cross-chain volume, generating significant fee revenue. A major growth area is private transactions via "Confidential Intents/Swaps," which hide trade details until settlement to protect against MEV and front-running. Remarkably, private swaps recently accounted for over 40% of NEAR's transaction volume, highlighting strong demand but also potential regulatory scrutiny. With its AI-founder pedigree, NEAR is positioning itself at the intersection of blockchain, AI agents, and privacy, aiming to become infrastructure for the emerging agent economy while navigating the challenges of its rapid adoption.

marsbit26m ago

Near Returns to the AI Stage: Transformation into a Public Chain Due to 'Payroll Difficulties,' Agent and Privacy Emerge as New Growth Narratives

marsbit26m ago

From Ethereum to AI's 'CROPS': What Exactly is This Set of 'Slow Variables' That Vitalik Repeatedly Emphasizes?

In recent discussions, Vitalik Buterin has frequently emphasized the concept of "CROPS," a framework defining core values for Ethereum's development. CROPS stands for Censorship Resistance, Capture Resistance, Open Source, Privacy, and Security. Initially outlined in the Ethereum Foundation's "EF Mandate," it represents a commitment to user sovereignty, ensuring that the network resists external control, remains open, protects privacy, and prioritizes security. The relevance of CROPS extends beyond Ethereum's foundational principles, becoming crucial in the context of AI integration. As AI agents begin handling wallet operations and automated transactions, the risk increases that users may cede control over their digital assets, privacy, and intentions to centralized AI service providers. A "CROPS AI" would therefore emphasize local execution where possible, privacy-preserving remote model calls (e.g., using zero-knowledge proofs), and transparent, verifiable processes to maintain user agency. Vitalik highlights a significant convergence between "CROPS Ethereum access layer" and "CROPS AI." Both address the same fundamental challenge: how users can access powerful services—be it blockchain data via RPCs or AI models—without exposing sensitive information or relinquishing ultimate control. This intersection points toward a future digital entry point that is more private, secure, and user-controlled. Ultimately, CROPS is not merely an abstract ideal but a practical guidepost. It steers development—from protocol resilience and wallet design to AI agent safety—towards a future where users retain self-sovereignty even as digital systems grow more complex and powerful. In an era of accelerating AI adoption, these "slow variables" of censorship resistance, openness, privacy, and security may define Ethereum's enduring value.

marsbit37m ago

From Ethereum to AI's 'CROPS': What Exactly is This Set of 'Slow Variables' That Vitalik Repeatedly Emphasizes?

marsbit37m ago

Zcash Bug Could Have Minted Unlimited ZEC Undetected

A critical vulnerability in Zcash's Orchard shielded pool, discovered by researcher Taylor Hornby on May 29, 2026, could have allowed an attacker to create an unlimited amount of undetectable counterfeit ZEC. The flaw, involving an under-constrained element in the Orchard circuit, existed from the pool's 2022 activation until an emergency fix was deployed by June 2, 2026. Hornby identified the bug using AI-assisted auditing tools and confirmed its exploitability in a test environment. Due to Orchard's privacy features, which hide transaction amounts and history, there is no cryptographic way to prove whether the vulnerability was exploited before the fix. While Shielded Labs assesses prior exploitation as unlikely, this uncertainty has sparked a debate on proving supply integrity in privacy-preserving systems. In response, Shielded Labs and other developers are exploring a network upgrade, potentially involving a new shielded pool and formal verification of the circuit rules to prevent future vulnerabilities and allow verification of the ZEC supply's integrity. ZEC's price fell nearly 45% following the disclosure.

bitcoinist45m ago

Zcash Bug Could Have Minted Unlimited ZEC Undetected

bitcoinist45m ago

Silicon Valley 'Startup Guru' Steve Hoffman: Web3 + AI Could Be a Trap

Silicon Valley investor and "Godfather of Startups" Steve Hoffman warns that combining Web3 with AI is likely a trap, not a promising venture. In an interview, Hoffman argues that while AI is a foundational technology touching all industries, Web3 adds complexity, friction, and regulatory risk without solving mainstream consumer or business needs. He advises founders to focus on deep, specialized applications where startups can out-iterate giants, rather than on generic features easily replicated by large tech companies. Hoffman observes that Silicon Valley will lead foundational AI research, while China excels at rapid, large-scale application and commercialization, particularly in robotics. He stresses that AI-driven autonomous agents capable of collaborative, multi-step tasks are 2-4 years away, which will cause significant job displacement. The solution is not to slow AI but to redesign business models around human-AI collaboration and reform social systems like education and retraining. For startups, Hoffman recommends focusing on vertical, expertise-heavy domains to build defensibility. He sees major opportunities in AI fraud detection and cybersecurity. Key founder mindsets include systemic thinking over feature-focus, relentless customer centricity, building adaptive teams, and deeply understanding AI's capabilities and limits. Hoffman is also leading a non-profit initiative to establish university centers aimed at training future leaders in responsible, human-value-aligned AI innovation.

marsbit1h ago

Silicon Valley 'Startup Guru' Steve Hoffman: Web3 + AI Could Be a Trap

marsbit1h ago

Token Inefficient, Economy Tokenless

The article "Tokens Aren't Economical, Economics Aren't Tokenized" analyzes a pivotal shift in the AI industry from a technology-driven narrative to one dominated by capital efficiency. It highlights two concurrent trends: a severe capital shortage due to the exorbitant and recurring costs of compute (e.g., OpenAI's high burn rate) and a wave of corporate spin-offs where major tech companies are separating their AI units (like Kuaishou's Kling and Baidu's Kunlunxin). The core argument is that AI's "anti-internet" business model, where user growth increases costs rather than profits, has created a disconnect between high valuations and actual cash flow. Spin-offs address this by allowing AI assets to be valued independently. Within a parent company, they are seen as cost centers, but as standalone entities, they are priced based on their growth potential and scarcity in the primary market, leading to massive valuation premiums (e.g., Kling's estimated value tripling post-spin-off). The industry is at an inflection point, moving from "model worship" to "value realization." The competition is evolving from a pure compute (GPU) race to a broader focus on systemic efficiency and full-stack engineering (involving CPUs and orchestration) to achieve viable commercialization. The year 2026 is framed as a critical moment where the industry must definitively answer how to economically translate AI capability into tangible business value, reshaping the sector's future power structure.

marsbit2h ago

marsbit2h ago

Trading

Spot

Futures

Hot Articles

What is DOGE M

Doge Matrix ($doge m): The New Breed of Community-Driven Cryptocurrency Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, new projects constantly emerge, each aiming to capture the interest of investors and enthusiasts alike. One of the latest entrants to this domain is Doge Matrix, represented by the ticker symbol $doge m. This project has attracted attention thanks to its roots in the popular meme culture surrounding Dogecoin, establishing its place within the web3 space. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Doge Matrix, covering its overview, creator, investors, functionality, timeline, and notable aspects. What is Doge Matrix ($doge m)? Doge Matrix is a community-driven cryptocurrency project that seemingly builds upon the widespread appeal of Dogecoin, a digital currency known for its Shiba Inu mascot and its meme origins. While the overarching objectives of Doge Matrix are not extensively defined, it is characterized by a commitment to harnessing community involvement and support. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies that often emphasize utility or intrinsic value through underlying technologies, Doge Matrix positions itself within a space that embraces the cultural phenomenon of cryptocurrencies, particularly appealing to those who resonate with the ethos of meme-based assets. Drawing on the strengths of the Dogecoin community, Doge Matrix operates as part of a broader ecosystem, inviting participation and engagement from users who share an interest in cryptocurrency and the digital landscape. Who is the Creator of Doge Matrix ($doge m)? The identity of the creator of Doge Matrix remains unknown. This lack of transparency is not an uncommon occurrence in the cryptocurrency space, where some projects are launched without revealing the identities of their founders. The absence of information regarding the founding team can raise questions among potential investors about the project’s accountability and direction. Who are the Investors of Doge Matrix ($doge m)? As it stands, there is no publicly available information detailing the investors or investment foundations that back Doge Matrix. The project appears to rely primarily on community support rather than institutional investment. This model aligns with the community-driven nature of the initiative, fostering an environment where the direction of the project is shaped by its participants rather than being dictated by a select few financial backers. How Does Doge Matrix ($doge m) Work? The specifics regarding the operational mechanisms of Doge Matrix are somewhat vague, reflecting a broader trend of projects in the meme coin space where innovative functionalities are not always clearly articulated. Nonetheless, Doge Matrix seems designed to tap into the existing cryptocurrency ecosystem by encouraging user participation while tapping into the familiar cultural references associated with Dogecoin. Its potentially unique characteristics derive from community interactions rather than technological advancements, emphasizing shared experiences and collaboration among token holders. While the exact innovations have not been explicitly outlined, the project appears to create a space where community members can engage, share ideas, and propel the project's potential forward. Timeline of Doge Matrix ($doge m) Reflecting on the project’s timeline reveals notable events that have defined its journey thus far: November 25, 2024: Doge Matrix reached its all-time high value, marking a significant milestone in its early history. January 1, 2025: Conversely, Doge Matrix hit its all-time low value, illustrating the volatility often associated with cryptocurrencies, especially in the early stages of a project's lifecycle. Ongoing: The project continues to be actively traded and supported by its community, although specific future milestones or objectives have yet to be disclosed. Key Points About Doge Matrix ($doge m) Community Focus At the heart of Doge Matrix is a commitment to community engagement. The project thrives on the premise of collaboration and shared objectives among its members, emphasizing the importance of collective effort. Unlike centralized projects that often have a defined leadership structure, Doge Matrix at present showcases a more fluid approach to governance, where every community member's voice matters. Volatility The cryptocurrency market is notorious for its volatility, and Doge Matrix is no exception. Its price history reflects significant fluctuations between high and low values, which is typical of many new cryptocurrencies but underscores the risks associated with investment in emerging tokens. Lack of Detailed Information One of the most striking features about Doge Matrix is the scarcity of detailed information regarding its technological underpinnings and operational mechanisms. This ambiguity necessitates that potential investors conduct thorough due diligence before engaging with the project. Conclusion In summary, Doge Matrix ($doge m) illustrates a new wave of cryptocurrency projects that lean heavily on community engagement and cultural relevance. While lacking in certain specifics—such as clear leadership, defined objectives, and detailed functionality—the project has managed to generate interest within the crypto community, leveraging the established appeal of meme culture. As with any investment in the cryptocurrency space, understanding the inherent risks and conducting comprehensive research is essential for potential participants. Doge Matrix stands as a reminder of the dynamic, sometimes unpredictable nature of the crypto industry, marked by constant evolution and enthusiasm for community-driven initiatives.

3.6k Total ViewsPublished 2025.02.03Updated 2025.02.03

What is $M

Understanding Mantis ($M): A New Era in Cross-Chain Interoperability In the continually evolving landscape of Web3 and cryptocurrency, new projects strive to offer innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the user experience and expanding functional possibilities within the decentralized financial ecosystem. One such project garnering attention is Mantis ($M), a pioneering protocol founded on the principles of cross-chain interoperability and intent-based settlements. This article delves into the essential aspects of Mantis, including its core functionality, creators, investment backing, innovative features, and critical milestones. What is Mantis ($M)? Mantis is described as a multi-domain intent settlement protocol that simplifies cross-chain interactions, enabling users to execute complex financial transactions across various blockchain platforms seamlessly. The protocol operates through three primary layers: Intent Expression: Users can articulate their transaction goals using natural language facilitated by the DISE LLM, an advanced AI language model. For instance, a user might express a desire to swap Ethereum (ETH) for Solana (SOL) with a specific slippage tolerance of 1%. Execution: This layer employs a network of solvers that compete to fulfill user intents. Transactions are executed using mechanisms such as Coincidence of Wants (CoWs) and Order Flow Auctions (OFAs), which ensure that user demands are met optimally. Settlement: Leveraging the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, Mantis enables atomic cross-chain transactions, allowing users to operate across various supported chains, including Ethereum, Solana, and Cosmos. Mantis is engineered to introduce native yield generation for idle assets, employing cryptographic proofs to maintain the integrity of transactions throughout the entire process. Creators & Development Team Mantis was conceived by the Composable Foundation, a research-driven organization notable for its emphasis on blockchain interoperability solutions. This foundation collaborates with esteemed academic institutions, including Harvard University and the University of Lisbon, contributing to extensive research and development efforts that inform Mantis's architecture and functionality. The Composable Foundation’s commitment to fostering innovation in the blockchain space positions Mantis as a robust solution for the growing demand for interoperability among multiple blockchain networks. Investors & Backing While specific details about individual investors have not been publicly disclosed, Mantis enjoys substantial backing from various entities, including: Ecosystem grants from IBC-enabled chains, which support the protocol's growth and integration within decentralized finance ecosystems. Strategic partnerships with infrastructure providers that enhance Mantis's network capabilities and deployment strategies. Funding through the Composable Foundation's treasury, ensuring sustained financial support for ongoing development and operational costs. These collaborative efforts reflect a consensus among stakeholders about the importance of enhancing cross-chain functionality and the potential utility of Mantis's infrastructural innovations. Key Innovations Mantis sets itself apart through several pioneering innovations that enhance its functionality and utility: Chain-Agnostic Intents: Users can initiate transactions from any supported chain while settling on another. This flexibility empowers users, driving increased interaction among different platforms. AI-Powered Interface: The integration of DISE LLM allows users to conduct complex DeFi operations using natural language, thereby simplifying interactions and making blockchain technology accessible to a broader audience. Cross-Domain MEV Capture: Mantis creates an internal market for maximal extractable value (MEV) through competitions among solvers. This innovative approach allows for greater efficiency and value extraction in complex transactions. Modular Settlement Layer: The protocol supports various verification methods, including zero-knowledge proofs and optimistic rollups, providing a versatile framework that can adapt to emerging blockchain technologies. Historical Timeline Mantis's development is marked by several critical milestones that chart its trajectory and growth: | Year | Milestone | |————|————————————————————————-| | 2022 | Initial concept development within the Composable Foundation's research division. | | Q3 2024 | Launch of the testnet with bridging capabilities between Solana and Ethereum. | | Q1 2025 | Anticipated Token Generation Event (TGE) alongside the mainnet launch. | | Q2 2025 | Expected integration of DISE LLM and expansion of cross-chain capabilities. | | 2025 H2 | Planned support for over 15 chains through further IBC upgrades. | This timeline outlines Mantis's evolution, from conceptual discussions to active implementation and future growth phases. Ecosystem Growth Strategy Mantis's strategy for ecosystem growth includes several initiatives designed to encourage user participation and developer engagement: Credits System: Users can earn protocol credits by providing liquidity and engaging in referral programs. These credits are redeemable for incentives in the future, fostering a robust user community. Modular Software Development Kit (SDK): This toolkit empowers developers to create applications based on intent-driven models utilizing Mantis's infrastructure, thus promoting innovation within its ecosystem. Governance Model: As the protocol matures, $M token holders will have a voice in protocol governance, allowing them to vote on proposed upgrades and changes, thereby enhancing community engagement and decentralization. Mantis represents a significant advancement in the realm of cross-chain architecture. By seamlessly integrating advanced AI algorithms with a robust settlement framework, Mantis seeks to tackle the problems of fragmentation within multi-chain ecosystems. Its innovative approach prioritizes improved user experiences while adhering to the foundational principles of decentralization and security, setting a new standard for the future interoperability of blockchain technologies. As Mantis continues its journey of growth and implementation, it promises to be a project to watch closely in the competitive landscape of Web3 and decentralized finance. With its focus on crossing boundaries and elevating user engagement, Mantis is poised to be an integral part of the future developments in the cryptocurrency space.

244 Total ViewsPublished 2025.03.18Updated 2025.03.18

How to Buy M

Welcome to HTX.com! We've made purchasing MemeCore (M) simple and convenient. Follow our step-by-step guide to embark on your crypto journey.Step 1: Create Your HTX AccountUse your email or phone number to sign up for a free account on HTX. Experience a hassle-free registration journey and unlock all features.Get My AccountStep 2: Go to Buy Crypto and Choose Your Payment MethodCredit/Debit Card: Use your Visa or Mastercard to buy MemeCore (M) instantly.Balance: Use funds from your HTX account balance to trade seamlessly.Third Parties: We've added popular payment methods such as Google Pay and Apple Pay to enhance convenience.P2P: Trade directly with other users on HTX.Over-the-Counter (OTC): We offer tailor-made services and competitive exchange rates for traders.Step 3: Store Your MemeCore (M)After purchasing your MemeCore (M), store it in your HTX account. Alternatively, you can send it elsewhere via blockchain transfer or use it to trade other cryptocurrencies.Step 4: Trade MemeCore (M)Easily trade MemeCore (M) on HTX's spot market. Simply access your account, select your trading pair, execute your trades, and monitor in real-time. We offer a user-friendly experience for both beginners and seasoned traders.

7.2k Total ViewsPublished 2025.07.02Updated 2026.06.02

Discussions

Welcome to the HTX Community. Here, you can stay informed about the latest platform developments and gain access to professional market insights. Users' opinions on the price of M (M) are presented below.