The cryptocurrency market continues to evolve rapidly, and as we move into 2025, more retail investors are looking to enter this dynamic space. For newcomers, the first—and most crucial—step isn’t mastering trading strategies, but choosing a secure, compliant, and user-friendly exchange. One platform that stands out in the Hong Kong market is OSL, a regulated digital asset exchange designed for both retail and institutional investors.
This comprehensive guide explores what OSL is, its regulatory credentials, security protocols, fee structure, and step-by-step account setup. Whether you're new to crypto or expanding your portfolio, understanding OSL’s offerings can help you make informed decisions.
What Is OSL? Why Choose a Regulated Crypto Exchange?
When selecting a cryptocurrency exchange, regulatory compliance should be a top priority—and OSL excels in this area. Operated by BC Technology Group (HKG:0863), a publicly listed company in Hong Kong, OSL was one of the first platforms to obtain Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) Type 1 (Dealing in Securities) and Type 7 (Automated Trading Services) licenses back in 2020—well ahead of many competitors.
Being SFC-licensed means OSL adheres to the same stringent standards as traditional financial institutions. This includes mandatory anti-money laundering (AML) checks, Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and regular audits—ensuring transparency and investor protection.
👉 Discover how OSL's regulatory edge sets it apart in today’s volatile market.
Beyond compliance, OSL offers a full suite of services:
- Exchange trading for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH)
- Over-the-counter (OTC) brokerage
- Institutional-grade custody
- SaaS solutions for enterprise clients
These features make OSL suitable not only for individuals but also for professional traders and institutions seeking a secure gateway into digital assets.
Is OSL Safe? Key Security Measures Explained
Security is non-negotiable in crypto. OSL implements multiple layers of protection to safeguard user funds and data.
✅ SFC-Licensed & Audited Platform
As a regulated entity under Hong Kong law, OSL undergoes regular financial audits by one of the Big Four accounting firms. This ensures operational transparency and minimizes risks like fund misappropriation or fraudulent activity.
✅ Cold and Hot Wallet Separation
To protect assets from cyber threats:
- Over 95% of customer funds are stored in offline cold wallets, isolated from the internet
- Only minimal liquidity for trading is kept in hot wallets, each protected with multi-signature technology and real-time monitoring
This industry-standard practice significantly reduces exposure to hacking attempts.
✅ Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA)
All account actions—including logins, withdrawals, and trades—require two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of identity verification.
✅ Regular Financial Audits
Thanks to its parent company’s public status, OSL maintains high financial transparency. Independent auditors verify its reserves and operations quarterly, giving users confidence in platform integrity.
How to Open an OSL Account: Step-by-Step KYC Process
Opening an account on OSL is straightforward and typically takes 2–3 business days after submitting documents.
🔐 Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Valid government-issued ID (e.g., passport or Hong Kong ID card)
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement)
- Facial biometric verification
- Completion of a risk assessment questionnaire
📝 Four-Step Registration:
- Sign Up: Register using your email and select “Individual” account type.
- Submit Documents: Upload your ID, proof of address, and complete facial recognition.
- Complete Risk Profile: Answer questions about investment experience and risk tolerance.
- Bank Account Verification: Link and verify your bank account for deposit purposes.
Once approved, you can begin funding your account and trading immediately.
OSL Fees: Trading, Deposit & Withdrawal Costs
Understanding fees helps optimize returns. Here’s a breakdown:
💬 Trading Fees
- Retail users: Flat rate of 0.30% per trade
- No hidden charges or spread markups
💵 Deposit Fees
- Free for all methods: Bank transfer (FPS), USD/HKD wire, BTC, ETH
- Ideal for cost-effective fund onboarding
💸 Withdrawal Fees
| Currency | Fee Policy |
|---|---|
| HKD / USD | First withdrawal per day is free (min. HKD 1,000 / USD 100) |
| BTC | 0.001 BTC network fee |
| ETH | 0.01 ETH network fee |
This structure benefits users who prefer fiat settlements while remaining competitive for crypto withdrawals.
How to Deposit & Withdraw Funds on OSL
Managing funds on OSL is simple and efficient.
➕ Depositing Funds
You can fund your account via:
- Bank Transfer or FPS to OSL’s designated HKD/USD accounts
- Crypto Transfer from your personal wallet (BTC/ETH supported)
Deposits are usually credited within 1–2 business days.
➖ Withdrawing Funds
Steps:
- Select currency (HKD/USD/BTC/ETH)
- Enter amount
- Confirm bank or wallet details
- Submit request
Fiat withdrawals arrive in:
- 1–2 business days for local Hong Kong banks
- 2–3 days for international transfers
Crypto withdrawals depend on blockchain congestion but typically process within hours.
👉 Learn how fast and secure crypto withdrawals can be on compliant platforms like OSL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is OSL suitable for small investors?
Yes. While OSL caters to institutional clients, it welcomes retail users with no minimum investment requirement—just HKD 1 to start trading.
Q2: Why do I need to deposit HKD 10,000 during KYC?
This is a regulatory requirement by the SFC for non-face-to-face onboarding. The deposit verifies your identity and source of funds under AML/CFT rules. It’s not a fee—it remains in your account for trading.
Q3: Can I trade altcoins on OSL?
Currently, OSL supports BTC and ETH only for spot trading. More tokens may be added in the future based on compliance standards.
Q4: Does OSL offer mobile apps?
Yes. OSL provides iOS and Android apps with full functionality, including trading, deposits, withdrawals, and security controls.
Q5: Is my data protected?
Absolutely. OSL uses end-to-end encryption, strict access controls, and complies with Hong Kong’s Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
Why OSL Stands Out in 2025’s Crypto Landscape
With increasing scrutiny on unregulated platforms, OSL’s early adoption of SFC licensing positions it as a leader in secure, transparent crypto trading. Its combination of institutional-grade security, low fees, and ease of use makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced investors.
Whether you’re exploring Bitcoin for the first time or diversifying into Ethereum, starting with a trusted, regulated platform reduces risk and builds long-term confidence.
👉 See how top-tier security and compliance come together on modern crypto exchanges.
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Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct independent research before investing.