Hong Kong Relaxes Digital-Asset Rules to Attract Global Crypto Liquidity

Hong Kong is loosening regulations to boost virtual-asset trading liquidity and strengthen its role as a fintech hub. 

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced that locally licensed virtual-asset trading platforms (VATPs) will now be able to share their order books globally with overseas affiliates. This replaces a rule that kept Hong Kong’s platforms ring-fenced. 

SFC CEO Julia Leung revealed the change at the Hong Kong Fintech Week conference, saying the move will help the city tap global liquidity and compete with centres like Singapore and the U.S. 

This step is part of a broader strategy as the city aligns digital-asset rules with innovation goals. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) estimates tech spending in the banking sector will reach HK$100 billion (~US$12.9 billion) annually over the next three years. 

The regulatory roadmap shows a clear shift from simply licensing platforms to enhancing market access, liquidity and product diversity.