TechFlow reported, on January 16, according to an official announcement, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced the expansion of its fast-track licensing process to all new virtual asset trading platform applicants. The new licensing approach requires applicants to first完善 internal policies, procedures, systems, and monitoring measures, and undergo external assessments, with the SFC participating as a protocol party to oversee the entire evaluation process. Steven Yip, Executive Director of Intermediaries Division at the SFC, stated that this move aims to enhance collaboration with platform applicants and accelerate the launch of compliant platforms. Meanwhile, the SFC has released a guidance letter for new applicants and published on-site inspection findings based on risk assessment, further clarifying regulatory standards for virtual asset trading platforms.
