Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau: International virtual asset trading platforms can apply for a license as long as they meet regulatory requirements; there are currently 13…

Hong Kong’s Treasury and Financial Services Bureau said international virtual asset trading platforms can apply for a local license if they meet statutory and Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) regulatory requirements, with 13 SFC-licensed platforms currently operating in the city. Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Joseph Chan said the SFC and Invest Hong Kong are engaging overseas platforms to explain the regulatory regime and market opportunities. The government and SFC will soon introduce a bill in the Legislative Council to bring more types of virtual asset services under supervision, aiming to encourage international providers to operate in Hong Kong. Licensed platforms are also gradually expanding products and services, including access to global liquidity and, with safeguards, digital asset and tokenized offerings. The push matters as Hong Kong seeks to position itself as a regulated hub for global crypto trading. Next, watch the timing and scope of the draft bill and whether major offshore exchanges apply for licenses.