Cryptocurrency exchange Huobi has announced its plans for 2018 aimed at accelerating the pace of its global expansion.

The Beijing-based exchange went global last October following China’s ban on cryptocurrency trading. It launched its international trading platform Huobi.pro, as it moved to exercise full cessation of all digital assets against the yuan's trading business on October 31, 2017.

Leon Li, the founder and CEO of Huobi Group, made the announcement via an online post. Revealing the globalization plans for 2018, Li said that the company will launch Huobi Labs, a blockchain accelerator, and commenced its operation with centers in Beijing and Shenzhen. He said:

“Here’s what to look forward to in 2018:

• The launch of two exchanges to support KRW and JPY, Huobi Korea and Huobi Japan;
• New operation centers in Europe, Canada, and Australia; and
• Opening of Huobi Labs in Silicon Valley, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Switzerland’s Crypto Valley and other global financial centers.”

Li also noted the company’s alliance with Japanese Internet-based financial services giant SBI Group. He said that the partnership is aimed at developing the digital asset business market in Asia and beyond.

According to Bitcoin.com, Huobi will be launching two cryptocurrency exchanges in collaboration with SBI – one tentatively named “SBI Virtual Currencies,” and the other “Huobi Japan.”