Hong Kong FSTB and SFC Release Consultation Conclusions on Virtual Asset Trading and Custody Licensing Framework

Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) jointly released consultation conclusions on December 24 to advance a licensing framework for virtual asset trading and custody service providers. The initiative aims to strengthen oversight and support sustainable market development. The consultation also announced a one-month public consultation on service providers offering virtual asset management and advisory services, with the regime expected to align with traditional securities market regulation and define regulated activities under different virtual asset licensing frameworks.