Key Developments
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has approved licenses for two additional virtual asset trading platforms:
- PantherTrade (owned by Futu Holdings)
- YAX (operated by Tiger Brokers)
- This brings the total number of SFC-licensed virtual asset trading platforms in Hong Kong to 9.
- According to the SFC, 9 more platforms remain in the applicant queue, with 5 temporarily treated as licensed during the review process.
Industry Reactions
Tiger Brokers’ Perspective
Wu Tianhua, Founder and CEO of Tiger Brokers, emphasized:
"The global virtual asset sector has grown exponentially, with cryptocurrencies representing the future of investment. Tiger Brokers is committed to advancing Hong Kong’s virtual asset ecosystem and positioning the city as a global hub for digital asset trading."
YAX’s Vision
Liu Kai, CEO of YAX (Hong Kong) Limited, stated:
"Securing the SFC license validates our platform’s security and innovation. We’ll focus on enhancing transaction speed, reducing custodial risks, and ensuring transparency to deliver an optimal trading experience."
FAQs
1. How many virtual asset trading platforms are now licensed in Hong Kong?
As of January 27, 9 platforms hold SFC licenses.
2. Which companies recently received licenses?
PantherTrade (Futu Holdings) and YAX (Tiger Brokers) were newly approved.
3. Are there other platforms awaiting approval?
Yes, 9 applicants are under review, with 5 provisionally treated as licensed.
👉 Explore compliant virtual asset trading platforms
Regulatory Context
Hong Kong’s proactive licensing framework aims to:
- Boost investor confidence through regulated platforms.
- Foster innovation while mitigating risks like fraud and money laundering.
👉 Learn about Hong Kong’s virtual asset regulations
Source: Zhitong Caijing (excludes images). Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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