Hong Kong Plans Licensing Rules for Crypto Advisory and Asset Management Firms

Hong Kong's securities regulator is developing licensing requirements for firms that provide crypto advisory and asset management services. The rules would place these activities under the same regulatory framework used for conventional financial services.

The measure is intended to create consistent standards across financial activities. Officials have not released draft text or a detailed timeline beyond the planned 2026 introduction.

A bill is expected to be presented to Hong Kong lawmakers in 2026. No further details on the bill's contents or effective date have been announced. The change would affect companies currently operating outside the existing securities licensing regime. Implementation would depend on passage of the legislation and subsequent regulatory guidance.