Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) has announced a new digital asset index series designed to provide a single reference price for Bitcoin and Ether, aligning with Asia-Pacific trading hours. Set to go live on November 15, the HKEX Virtual Asset Index Series will deliver accurate real-time pricing benchmarks, gathered using a volume-weighted average from top-rated exchanges. This initiative coincides with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission's (SFC) plans to increase digital asset exchange licenses before year-end. HKEX CEO Bonnie Y Chan stated that the index aims to help investors make informed decisions. Furthermore, the SFC is working on granting full licenses to several exchanges that previously received provisional permits, after identifying unsatisfactory practices among some firms. By early 2025, the SFC intends to establish a consultative panel to enhance cooperation and compliance within the digital asset market. Hong Kong's Financial Services and Treasury Bureau is also focusing on integrating artificial intelligence in finance, exploring its applications across various sectors.

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