Starting from 1 June 2023, centralised virtual asset trading platforms in Hong Kong must apply for a license under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and/or the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance. The Securities and Futures Commission has published guidelines, FAQs, and a licensing handbook to help with the licensing process and ongoing notifications. Licensing forms should be submitted through WINGS-LIC, while Financial Returns, Audit Questionnaire, Business and Risk Management Questionnaire for Licensed Corporation, Business and Risk Management Questionnaire for Associated Entity and Analysis of Client Assets for Associated Entity can be downloaded on the SFC’s website. The SFC has launched a dedicated webpage for virtual asset activities and licensed platform operators should contact their respective case officers for enquiries. Material breaches or non-compliance incidents should also be reported through the SFC’s upgraded notifications online portal.
Guidelines for Virtual Asset Trading Platform Operators: https://www.sfc.hk/-/media/EN/assets/components/codes/files-current/web/guidelines/Guidelines-for-Virtual-Asset-Trading-Platform-Operators/Guidelines-for-Virtual-Asset-Trading-Platform-Operators.pdf?rev=f6152ff73d2b4e8a8ce9dc025030c3b8
Guideline on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (For Licensed Corporations and SFC-licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers): https://www.sfc.hk/-/media/EN/assets/components/codes/files-current/web/guidelines/guideline-on-anti-money-laundering-and-counter-financing-of-terrorism-for-licensed-corporations/AML-Guideline-for-LCs-and-SFC-licensed-VASPs_Eng_1-Jun-2023.pdf?rev=d250206851484229ab949a4698761cb7
Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Guideline issued by the Securities and Futures Commission for Associated Entities of Licensed Corporations and SFC-licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers: https://www.sfc.hk/-/media/EN/assets/components/codes/files-current/web/guidelines/prevention-of-money-laundering-and-terrorist-fi/AML-Guideline-for-AEs_Eng_1-Jun-2023.pdf?rev=243299fe5b11413495afee886891aa05
Licensing Handbook for Virtual Asset Trading Platform Operators: https://www.sfc.hk/-/media/EN/assets/components/Guidelines/File-current/Licensing-Handbook-for-VATPs-31-05-2023.pdf?rev=a94fa7324a964e328dd2415815611d76
Resource: https://apps.sfc.hk/edistributionWeb/gateway/EN/circular/doc?refNo=23EC28