hongkong

Hong Kong is moving step by step toward stronger rules for virtual assets. Regulators have now shared their plan to bring new laws in 2026. These rules will focus on people and firms that deal with virtual assets and those who keep them safe for users.

The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Securities and Futures Commission have finished a public consultation. Many people and businesses shared their views during this period. After reviewing the feedback the regulators confirmed they want to move forward with new legislation.

The main goal is to create a clear licensing system. This system will cover virtual asset dealers and custodians. Dealers are those who help people buy and sell virtual assets. Custodians are those who hold digital assets and protect private keys on behalf of clients.

The new framework will sit under existing laws that focus on money safety and crime prevention. These include rules meant to stop money laundering and the funding of illegal activity. The idea is simple. If a business handles value it should follow strong safety rules.

Hong Kong wants to build trust in its virtual asset market. Clear rules help users feel safer. They also help serious companies operate with confidence. This approach is part of a wider plan to grow the local digital asset space in a responsible way.

In recent years Hong Kong has taken several steps to support regulated growth. Licensed platforms are already operating under set standards. Virtual asset funds and exchange traded products are also active. Staking services have been allowed under strict conditions to protect users.

The upcoming custodian rules will focus heavily on asset safety. This includes how private keys are stored and how client funds are separated and protected. Custodians will need strong systems and clear procedures.

The dealer rules will be similar to those used in traditional finance. Firms will need to meet fit and proper standards. They will also need to follow conduct rules and risk controls. This helps create fairness and order in the market.

Regulators are also looking beyond dealers and custodians. A separate consultation is underway for virtual asset advisers and managers. These are people who give advice or manage assets for others. The idea is that similar risks should be treated in similar ways.

This follows a simple principle. Same business same risks same rules. If a service looks like traditional finance it should meet similar standards.

Public feedback on this advisory framework is open until late January. After that regulators will review comments and decide on next steps.

Overall Hong Kong is sending a clear message. Virtual assets are welcome but must operate within clear rules. By 2026 the city aims to have a complete and mature framework in place.

This steady approach may help Hong Kong grow as a trusted digital asset center. It balances innovation with user protection and long term stability.

#CryptoRegulation

#HongKong
#WriteToEarnUpgrade

#CryptoPolicy

The Hong Kong SFC and FSTB publish consultation results and launch a new review of advisory and management regimes for virtual‑asset service providers.

Hong Kong’s Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced on 24 December 2025 that they have concluded consultations on legislative proposals for virtual‑asset (VA) dealer and custodian regimes, and will move forward with the related licensing frameworks. The agencies also opened a fresh consultation on proposed regimes for VA advisory and management service providers, extending the “same business, same risks, same rules” approach.
The dealer regime will align with Type 1 securities‑dealing rules, while the custodian regime focuses on safeguarding private keys and client assets. Regulators invite interested parties to begin pre‑application discussions to ensure readiness for the upcoming licensing requirements, aiming to cement Hong Kong’s position as a trusted hub for digital‑asset innovation.
#Binance #wendy #bitcoin #HongKong $BTC $ETH $BNB