Hong Kong Advances Licensing Regime for Virtual Asset Dealers and Custodians

Published at 2025-12-24 14:45:07

Hong Kong’s FSTB and SFC are set to roll out a licensing regime specifically for virtual asset dealers and custodians, broadening rules that previously focused on stablecoins and tokenization. The new requirements will formalize authorization standards for trading platforms and custody providers, clarifying which activities need a licence and the compliance obligations firms must meet. The expansion is intended to strengthen investor protection and market integrity while making it easier for regulated institutions to operate in Hong Kong. Clear licensing paths and custody standards could attract more institutional liquidity and service providers, though firms can expect tighter supervision and operational controls as part of the push to mature the local crypto ecosystem.

RegulationHong KongCryptoCustodySFCVirtual Assets

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Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said there is no clash with the White House and that talks remain ongoing as the industry works on proposals tied to the CLARITY market-structure bill. The focus is on ways to support community banks' role in crypto.

CoinbaseBrian ArmstrongCLARITYCommunity BanksRegulationUS Politics

Published at 2026-01-18 00:15:08

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Crypto ATMsRegulationVirtual Assets LLCGeorgiaCompliance

Published at 2026-01-17 21:45:06

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ETFCryptoMarketsEthereumDefiance

Published at 2026-01-17 18:15:09

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CryptoMarketsTreasury BillsFedLiquidity

Published at 2026-01-17 17:15:05

Texas, New Hampshire Lead U.S. Race to Put Bitcoin on State Balance Sheets

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