The Securities and Futures Fee (SFC) of Hong Kong unveiled a streamlined licensing method for digital asset buying and selling platforms (VATPs), marking one other important shift within the area’s cryptocurrency regulatory panorama in current months.
The brand new framework eliminates the earlier two-phase evaluation system in favor of a single, complete exterior analysis. Below this streamlined course of, VATP candidates should first implement their operational infrastructure earlier than present process an exterior evaluation, with the SFC actively collaborating within the analysis course of.
Dr Eric Yip, the SFC’s Government Director of Intermediaries
“The SFC is dedicated to fostering a wholesome ecosystem and a sturdy regulatory framework for the event of digital belongings in Hong Kong,” stated Dr Eric Yip, the SFC’s Government Director of Intermediaries.
“With the brand new method, we are going to improve our collaboration with VATP candidates, offering them with constructive and well timed suggestions, thereby enabling absolutely compliant VATPs to deliver their companies to buyers extra swiftly.”
This marks one other important change following the June 1, 2024 choice by the SFC to as soon as once more enable retail shoppers to commerce cryptocurrencies. Nonetheless, the regulator additionally imposed further tasks on companies within the sector, requiring compliance with rules or going through authorized penalties. The newest transfer goals to simplify the method of acquiring a license.
The revamped course of introduces a number of improvements:
- Tripartite Engagement – The SFC will turn into a direct celebration to the evaluation course of, working alongside the platform operator and exterior assessor to make sure regulatory compliance.
- Streamlined Analysis – Candidates should now deploy all methods and controls earlier than the exterior evaluation begins, making certain a extra sensible and environment friendly analysis of operational readiness.
As lately reported by Finance Magnates, in October, 11 crypto platforms have been nonetheless beneath regulatory evaluate after a number of months. The trade criticized the native regulator for overly strict rules, main a number of main gamers, together with OKX and Bybit, to withdraw from the applying course of. SFC representatives hope the present adjustments will encourage exchanges to enter the market.
This regulatory growth follows the licensing of 4 VATPs in December 2024, reflecting Hong Kong’s efforts to strengthen its place as a digital asset hub.
