🇭🇰SCMP Technology•May 27, 2026Stalecollected in 1m

Hong Kong Finalises Crypto Regulatory Framework

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#regulation #blockchain #compliancehong-kong-crypto-regulatory-frameworksfc fstb

💡Essential regulatory update for founders and builders operating at the intersection of AI and blockchain in Asia.

⚡ 30-Second TL;DR

What Changed

New licensing regime established for firms advising on and managing virtual assets.

Why It Matters

Clearer regulations will likely attract more institutional AI-crypto projects and blockchain-based infrastructure firms to establish operations in Hong Kong.

What To Do Next

Review the SFC's new licensing requirements if you are building AI-integrated decentralized finance (DeFi) or asset management tools in Asia.

Who should care:Founders & Product Leaders

Key Points

•New licensing regime established for firms advising on and managing virtual assets.
•The framework received broad market support during the public consultation phase.
•Legislation will move to the Legislative Council to formalize the hub status.

🧠 Deep Insight

Web-grounded analysis with 18 cited sources.

🔑 Enhanced Key Takeaways

•The new licensing regime specifically categorizes virtual asset advisory activities under Type 4 regulated activities (advising on securities) and virtual asset management services under Type 9 regulated activities (asset management) of the existing Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO).
•The framework introduces specific capital requirements, mandating a minimum paid-up capital of HK$5 million for entities, with liquid capital requirements of HK$3 million for firms holding client assets and HK$100,000 for those not holding client assets.
•This expansion extends Hong Kong's regulatory oversight to virtual asset advisory and management services, moving beyond previously established regimes for virtual asset trading platforms, custody services, and stablecoin issuers.
•The regulatory approach is guided by the "same business, same risks, same rules" principle, aiming to apply consistent standards to virtual asset activities as those in traditional finance.

🔮 Future ImplicationsAI analysis grounded in cited sources

Hong Kong will likely see increased institutional investment in virtual assets.

The regulatory clarity and alignment with traditional finance standards are prerequisites for large institutional capital deployment, which can now proceed with greater confidence.

The scope of regulated virtual asset activities in Hong Kong will continue to broaden.

This framework extends regulation beyond trading platforms and stablecoins, and the "same business, same risks, same rules" principle suggests ongoing expansion to cover new areas as the market evolves.

Hong Kong's position as a leading global crypto hub will be further solidified.

The comprehensive and clear regulatory approach, coupled with government support and ongoing legislative efforts, aims to attract more crypto businesses and talent to the city.

⏳ Timeline

2019-11

SFC issued an "opt-in" regulatory framework for Virtual Asset Trading Platforms (VATPs) dealing with security tokens.

2022-10-31

Financial Services and Treasury Bureau (FSTB) published a policy statement outlining Hong Kong's vision for developing Web3 industries.

2023-06-01

Amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO) came into effect, introducing a new licensing regime for all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and allowing retail trading on licensed platforms.

2025-08-01

The Stablecoins Ordinance came into force, establishing a licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoin issuers.

2025-12-24

FSTB and SFC published consultation conclusions for separate licensing regimes for virtual asset dealers and custodians.

2026-05-27

FSTB and SFC published consultation conclusions on the licensing frameworks for virtual asset advisory and management service providers, following a public consultation that closed on January 23, 2026.