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PANAMA CITY, Panama, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HBGL, a licensed digital asset service provider in Australia and an affiliate in the HTX Group, today announced its soft launch, introducing fiat–stablecoin trading services. The milestone marks HBGL's formal entry into the Australian market with a mission to build a secure, compliant, and efficient bridge between digital assets and traditional finance.
During the soft launch phase, HBGL will offer USDT and USDC to fiat trading pairs, providing retail, institutional, and professional clients with a streamlined pathway to convert between stablecoins and fiat currencies. This phased rollout enables the company to validate core infrastructure, deepen liquidity channels, and support early-stage market activities ahead of full commercial availability.
HBGL is registered with AUSTRAC as a Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) and operates under a comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) compliance framework. The company has implemented rigorous Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures, ongoing transaction monitoring, and robust risk management measures, ensuring that all services are secure and meet Australian regulatory standards for digital asset providers.
Fully supported by the HTX Group, one of the world's leading digital asset ecosystems, HBGL benefits from institutional grade technological capabilities, liquidity support, and operational expertise. At the same time, HBGL maintains an independent governance and compliance structure tailored specifically to the Australian regulatory environment.
"Our objective is to establish a trustworthy, compliant, and reliable on-and-off-ramp for stablecoin liquidity in Australia," said a spokesperson for HBGL. "The soft launch phase allows us to test, refine, and scale our service offering in a controlled setting, ensuring that we meet both regulatory expectations and client needs."
HBGL will initially focus on fiat settlement services, OTC execution, and liquidity sourcing. The company is also preparing to pursue additional Australian financial services licensing to support the expansion of future product offerings.
A targeted marketing rollout will accompany the soft launch, with broader awareness campaigns planned as service capabilities grow.
About HBGL
HBGL is an Australian-based digital asset financial services business providing secure, compliant, and efficient fiat-to-stablecoin-to-fiat conversion and settlement solutions. HBGL operates with the support of the HTX Group, a global digital asset business delivering exchange, custody, and financial infrastructure to millions of users worldwide.
HBGL is registered with AUSTRAC as a Digital Currency Exchange (DCE), implementing rigorous compliance standards including systematic controls for KYC, AML/CTF, sanctions and risk management.
To learn more, please visit www.hbgl.au.
About HTX
Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.
As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of "Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance," HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.
PANAMA CITY, Panama, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HBGL, a licensed digital asset service provider in Australia and an affiliate in the HTX Group, today announced its soft launch, introducing fiat–stablecoin trading services. The milestone marks HBGL's formal entry into the Australian market with a mission to build a secure, compliant, and efficient bridge between digital assets and traditional finance.
During the soft launch phase, HBGL will offer USDT and USDC to fiat trading pairs, providing retail, institutional, and professional clients with a streamlined pathway to convert between stablecoins and fiat currencies. This phased rollout enables the company to validate core infrastructure, deepen liquidity channels, and support early-stage market activities ahead of full commercial availability.
HBGL is registered with AUSTRAC as a Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) and operates under a comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) compliance framework. The company has implemented rigorous Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures, ongoing transaction monitoring, and robust risk management measures, ensuring that all services are secure and meet Australian regulatory standards for digital asset providers.
Fully supported by the HTX Group, one of the world's leading digital asset ecosystems, HBGL benefits from institutional grade technological capabilities, liquidity support, and operational expertise. At the same time, HBGL maintains an independent governance and compliance structure tailored specifically to the Australian regulatory environment.
"Our objective is to establish a trustworthy, compliant, and reliable on-and-off-ramp for stablecoin liquidity in Australia," said a spokesperson for HBGL. "The soft launch phase allows us to test, refine, and scale our service offering in a controlled setting, ensuring that we meet both regulatory expectations and client needs."
HBGL will initially focus on fiat settlement services, OTC execution, and liquidity sourcing. The company is also preparing to pursue additional Australian financial services licensing to support the expansion of future product offerings.
A targeted marketing rollout will accompany the soft launch, with broader awareness campaigns planned as service capabilities grow.
About HBGL
HBGL is an Australian-based digital asset financial services business providing secure, compliant, and efficient fiat-to-stablecoin-to-fiat conversion and settlement solutions. HBGL operates with the support of the HTX Group, a global digital asset business delivering exchange, custody, and financial infrastructure to millions of users worldwide.
HBGL is registered with AUSTRAC as a Digital Currency Exchange (DCE), implementing rigorous compliance standards including systematic controls for KYC, AML/CTF, sanctions and risk management.
To learn more, please visit www.hbgl.au.
About HTX
Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.
As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of "Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance," HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
HTX Group's Affiliate HBGL Announces Soft Launch in Australia, Introducing Compliant Fiat-Stablecoin Services
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LONDON, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global vape brand ELFBAR today announced it has earned three global design awards — the Pentawards, the Red Dot Award*, and the London Design Awards — for its boldly restrained design of the ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit, the first ever of its kind created to help adult smokers and vapers quit nicotine for good.
Visualising the journey beyond nicotine
The ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit, a classic ELFBAR pod system, is designed as a three-phase, 90-day pathway that gradually lowers nicotine intake from 2% to 1% and then to 0%. The progression is structured in three phases — Days 01–30, 31–60, and 61–90 — each marking a clear decrease in nicotine strength.
The naming of the phases — Awaken, Embrace, and Transform — reflects the emotional arc that often accompanies behavioural change, supporting users as they move toward complete independence from nicotine. Each unboxing feels lighter, both visually and emotionally, making the reduction journey intuitive and tangible.
"We see design as a way to make a real change — to turn ideas like tobacco harm reduction (THR) into experience people can truly feel," said Season Wu, Head of Brand Marketing at ELFBAR. "When design carries empathy and responsibility, it becomes more than form — it becomes a dialogue with adult smokers and vapers."
Designing against the trend: a visual identity behind the switch
Using recyclable paper with a warm, matte texture and its natural colours to create a calm, reassuring touch, the ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit adopts a minimalist, plastic-free packaging, a contrast to the bright colours that dominate retail shelves.
The stepped daymarkings on the outer pack clearly indicate the three phases of the transition, while the simple nicotine-percentage icons on each pod pack make every stage of progress clear and worth celebrating.
This design represents ELFBAR's continuous effort to redefine the visual perception of smoking alternative products, to establish a more mature, responsible, and purpose-driven identity that supports adult smokers and vapers in their transition.
The switch moment: now
In line with its long-run dedication to THR, ELFBAR continues to explore practical, sustainable ways to support adult smokers and vapers in their transition from nicotine. Rather than a cold-turkey quitting, the ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit provides a guided, gradual pathway that users can follow.
"The ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit is about giving users control over their reduction. Through thoughtful product and packaging design, ELFBAR transforms nicotine reduction from an abstract intention into a guided, supportive process — empowering users to move forward with confidence and clarity, and helping them progress physically and emotionally," Wu added.
"We are delighted to see the ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit receive international recognition. The kit is currently undergoing market readiness, and we look forward to introducing it to users in due course," he said.
*Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design 2025
About ELFBAR
ELFBAR is a pioneer in the global vaping industry. Since its inception in 2018, it has been providing a distinct and diverse vaping experience with innovation at its core.
ELFBAR stays committed to youth access prevention and sustainable growth as a leading brand favoured and used by tens of millions of adult smokers and ex-smokers worldwide as an alternative to smoking.
For more information, please visit elfbar.com
LONDON, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global vape brand ELFBAR today announced it has earned three global design awards — the Pentawards, the Red Dot Award*, and the London Design Awards — for its boldly restrained design of the ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit, the first ever of its kind created to help adult smokers and vapers quit nicotine for good.
Visualising the journey beyond nicotine
The ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit, a classic ELFBAR pod system, is designed as a three-phase, 90-day pathway that gradually lowers nicotine intake from 2% to 1% and then to 0%. The progression is structured in three phases — Days 01–30, 31–60, and 61–90 — each marking a clear decrease in nicotine strength.
The naming of the phases — Awaken, Embrace, and Transform — reflects the emotional arc that often accompanies behavioural change, supporting users as they move toward complete independence from nicotine. Each unboxing feels lighter, both visually and emotionally, making the reduction journey intuitive and tangible.
"We see design as a way to make a real change — to turn ideas like tobacco harm reduction (THR) into experience people can truly feel," said Season Wu, Head of Brand Marketing at ELFBAR. "When design carries empathy and responsibility, it becomes more than form — it becomes a dialogue with adult smokers and vapers."
Designing against the trend: a visual identity behind the switch
Using recyclable paper with a warm, matte texture and its natural colours to create a calm, reassuring touch, the ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit adopts a minimalist, plastic-free packaging, a contrast to the bright colours that dominate retail shelves.
The stepped daymarkings on the outer pack clearly indicate the three phases of the transition, while the simple nicotine-percentage icons on each pod pack make every stage of progress clear and worth celebrating.
This design represents ELFBAR's continuous effort to redefine the visual perception of smoking alternative products, to establish a more mature, responsible, and purpose-driven identity that supports adult smokers and vapers in their transition.
The switch moment: now
In line with its long-run dedication to THR, ELFBAR continues to explore practical, sustainable ways to support adult smokers and vapers in their transition from nicotine. Rather than a cold-turkey quitting, the ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit provides a guided, gradual pathway that users can follow.
"The ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit is about giving users control over their reduction. Through thoughtful product and packaging design, ELFBAR transforms nicotine reduction from an abstract intention into a guided, supportive process — empowering users to move forward with confidence and clarity, and helping them progress physically and emotionally," Wu added.
"We are delighted to see the ELFA PRO Nicotine Reduction Kit receive international recognition. The kit is currently undergoing market readiness, and we look forward to introducing it to users in due course," he said.
*Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design 2025
About ELFBAR
ELFBAR is a pioneer in the global vaping industry. Since its inception in 2018, it has been providing a distinct and diverse vaping experience with innovation at its core.
ELFBAR stays committed to youth access prevention and sustainable growth as a leading brand favoured and used by tens of millions of adult smokers and ex-smokers worldwide as an alternative to smoking.
For more information, please visit elfbar.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
ELFBAR takes a bold step in restrained design with its award-winning nicotine reduction kit
