Cryptoasset & Digital Asset Licence in Hong Kong
VASP licensing, gateway to China. SFC regulated. Capital from HKD 5M. Typical timeline 6 to 12 months.
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Tell us the business, the markets and your timing. Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal: the licence, the requirements, the cost and the timeline.
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Why Hong Kong for Your Cryptoasset & Digital Asset Licence?
Hong Kong provides access to Chinese and broader Asian markets. The SFC framework is rigorous but internationally respected.
Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission has introduced a VASP licensing regime for virtual asset trading platforms.
Licence requirements
Detailed requirements
HKD 5 million minimum paid-up share capital. Extensive governance, custody, AML, cybersecurity, and client asset protection requirements.
Application process
Regulatory Strategy
We assess your business model and regulatory position to develop a clear licensing strategy.
Business Plan
We prepare a comprehensive business plan meeting the regulator's expectations.
Programme of Operations
Detailed programme of operations covering governance, compliance, and operational arrangements.
Compliance Framework
Full AML/CFT framework, compliance monitoring programme, and risk management policies.
Application Submission
We compile and submit the complete application package to the regulator.
Regulator Review
We manage all regulator communications and information requests during the review period.
Authorisation
Upon approval, we support your transition to live operations.
Process detail
6 to 12 months. The SFC conducts detailed assessments including on-site inspections.
Hong Kong vs United Kingdom
| Criteria | Hong Kong | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | HKD 5M | No capital floor |
| Timeline | 6 to 12 months | 3 to 12 months |
| Regulator | SFC | FCA |
| Key Feature | VASP licensing, gateway to China | AML registration, rigorous assessment |
Related services
Licensing & Authorisation
Full-service licensing advisory from strategy to authorisation.
Compliance Support
Ongoing compliance frameworks tailored to your regulatory obligations.
Financial Crime
AML, KYC and financial crime prevention programmes.
Ready to get started?
Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal.
Speak to a licensing expertFrequently asked questions
The capital requirement for a cryptoasset & digital asset licence in Hong Kong is HKD 5M. HKD 5 million minimum paid-up share capital. Extensive governance, custody, AML, cybersecurity, and client asset protection requirements.
The typical timeline for a cryptoasset & digital asset licence in Hong Kong is 6 to 12 months. 6 to 12 months. The SFC conducts detailed assessments including on-site inspections.
Hong Kong provides access to Chinese and broader Asian markets. The SFC framework is rigorous but internationally respected.
After receiving your cryptoasset & digital asset licence in Hong Kong, you must maintain ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements including safeguarding of customer funds, regular regulatory reporting, maintaining adequate capital, updating AML and compliance frameworks, and cooperating with supervisory reviews and inspections.
Most jurisdictions require local substance for a cryptoasset & digital asset licence. In Hong Kong, you will typically need a registered office, at least one locally resident director, and potentially additional operational staff. We can advise on the exact requirements and help you establish the minimum viable local presence.
A cryptoasset & digital asset licence in Hong Kong provides access to the domestic market. VASP licensing, gateway to China. Separate authorisation may be required for other jurisdictions.