Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) maintains rigorous oversight of virtual asset trading platforms operating within its jurisdiction. Below is the latest regulatory status of licensed platforms and applicants as of December 2024.
Licensed Virtual Asset Trading Platforms
The SFC officially licenses the following platforms, which comply with Hong Kong's regulatory standards under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance.
Current License Holders (7 Platforms)
| Central No. | Company Name (English) | Company Name (Chinese) | Trading Platform | License Issuance Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPJ213 | OSL Digital Securities Limited | OSL数字证券有限公司 | OSL Exchange | 15/12/2020 |
| BPL992 | Hash Blockchain Limited | Hash Blockchain Limited | HashKey Exchange | 09/11/2022 |
| BPW549 | Hong Kong Virtual Asset Exchange Limited | 香港虚拟资产交易所有限公司 | HKVAX | 03/10/2024 |
| BPO721 | Hong Kong Digital Asset EX Limited | 香港数字资产交易集团有限公司 | HKbitEX | 18/12/2024 |
| BUA970 | Accumulus GBA Technology (Hongkong) Co., Limited | 云账户大湾区科技(香港)有限公司 | Accumulus | 18/12/2024 |
| BUN619 | DFX Labs Company Limited | N/A | DFX Labs | 18/12/2024 |
| BUT670 | Thousand Whales Technology (BVI) Limited | N/A | EX.IO | 18/12/2024 |
Note: Licensing does not imply SFC endorsement of platform performance or creditworthiness.
Virtual Asset Trading Platform Applicants
Platforms undergoing licensing review are listed below. These applicants are not yet licensed and may not meet all SFC requirements.
Pending Applications (12 Platforms)
| Company Name (English) | Company Name (Chinese) | Trading Platform | Application Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panthertrade (Hong Kong) Limited | 猎豹交易（香港）有限公司 | PantherTrade | 15/11/2023 |
| NewBX Limited | N/A | Bixin.com | 24/01/2024 |
| Bullish (GI) Limited | N/A | Bullish | 07/02/2024 |
| Foris DAX HK Limited | N/A | Crypto.com | 09/02/2024 |
👉 Explore secure trading options for licensed platforms.
Withdrawn/Rejected Applications
The SFC removes applicants from the pending list if applications are incomplete, refused, or withdrawn.
| Company Name (English) | Trading Platform | Removal Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKX Hong Kong FinTech Company Limited | OKX | 24/05/2024 | Withdrawn |
| Spark Fintech Limited | Bybit | 31/05/2024 | Withdrawn |
Regulatory Framework
Hong Kong’s dual licensing system ensures comprehensive oversight:
- Securities and Futures Ordinance: Covers security-type token trading.
- Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance: Governs non-security-type token trading.
Key Requirements:
- Platforms must use automated trading systems.
- Custodial services for client assets are mandatory.
FAQs
1. How do I verify a platform’s license status?
Check the SFC’s Public Register using the Central Number.
2. What risks do unlicensed platforms pose?
- Loss of funds due to hacking or insolvency.
- Limited legal recourse for disputes.
3. Can applicants operate while pending approval?
Only platforms "deemed licensed" under transitional arrangements may operate temporarily.
👉 Compare licensed platform features for informed decisions.
Additional Resources
Last Updated: 18 December 2024
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