A crackdown in China started in a rather quiet manner. Authorities are continuing to look into cryptocurrency exchanges without making too many waves. They are also casting an eye over South Korea’s battle to regulate cryptocurrency trading. In September, crypto-to-fiat exchanges were banned, and now, "exchange-like services" are being scrutinised.

Rumour has it that the government have plans to stop centralised trading by denying access to domestic access to platforms, whether they are home-grown or offshore. The move comes after their popularity continues to grow, and already Chinese investors are looking for ways to get around Septembers ban, and are watching to see what the government does next.

One of the ways to get around the current legislation is by using alternative trading platforms, as well as over-the-counter trade. Major peer-to-peer trading sites have felt the after effects as high numbers of traders took to their platforms. In September 2017, a high of ($17.8 mln) per week was recorded.

Sources told Bloomberg that smaller transactions taking place are not being targeted, but such government scrutinization lends weight to the idea that change and regulation could be on the cards in the future. It remains to be seen whether a full-blown investigation will take place.