VDX secures SFC VATP license in first approval since June

What the SFC VATP license allows VDX to do

Victory Fintech (VDX) has been granted a virtual asset trading platform license, bringing hong kong’s total licensed platforms to 12, according to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The authorization permits VDX to operate a regulated venue for spot virtual-asset trading in Hong Kong under the city’s VATP rules.

In practice, the license allows VDX to onboard eligible clients, run compliant trading and custody operations, and meet anti–money laundering and market surveillance obligations set by the regulator. Client asset protection, operational resilience, and ongoing reporting are core expectations under this regime.

Why VDX’s approval matters for Hong Kong’s crypto hub plans

The approval adds another regulated venue to Hong Kong’s roster, signaling continued momentum in the city’s virtual asset policy rollout. It also reinforces the jurisdiction’s emphasis on licensing as a precondition for market access and credibility.

Before citing any statements, it is helpful to note that the government has framed virtual-asset development as part of a broader finance strategy that remains tightly supervised. Reflecting that stance, “proactive yet prudent” is how Hong Kong approaches digital assets, said Paul Chan, Financial Secretary.

At the policy level, the regulator has emphasized stronger guardrails across custody, governance, and investor protection. This sits alongside continuing work on related regimes and consultation processes intended to balance market growth with risk management.

The immediate competitive question is liquidity and depth. Analyses highlight that incumbents such as HashKey and OSL already command established order books and institutional relationships, which VDX will need to match, as reported by AInvest.

Operationally, the cost of building a compliant exchange in Hong Kong is substantial, with industry estimates noting outlays that can reach into the tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars for full-stack licensing and controls, according to Caixin Global. That dynamic can pressure new entrants’ timelines to scale volume and reach profitability.

At the time of this writing, Bitcoin traded near $67,931 with very high 12.30% volatility and a neutral RSI of 37.24, indicating a cautious backdrop for risk assets. These figures provide context rather than any view on direction.

Investor access and licensing requirements under Hong Kong’s VATP regime

Is VDX open to retail investors in Hong Kong, and what investor protections apply?

The framework allows licensed platforms to serve retail investors when they meet prescribed safeguards. Whether VDX opens retail access will depend on its launch plans and the conditions attached to its license.

Investor protections under the regime emphasize robust custody arrangements, transparent disclosures, stringent AML/CTF controls, and market surveillance. Retail eligibility and product scope are defined by the rulebook and ongoing supervisory oversight.

Key application criteria and compliance expectations for VATP licensing

Applicants are assessed on governance, financial resources, technology and cybersecurity, custody design, and market integrity controls. The regulator also considers whether applicants maintain substantial operations in Hong Kong, per its stated approach to local substance.

Compliance expectations are ongoing and intensive, from transaction monitoring to incident reporting and independent audits. Separately, public commentary has noted restrictions such as not serving mainland Chinese users, a point raised by legislator David Chiu and reported by Cryptopolitan.

FAQ about SFC virtual asset trading platform (VATP) license

How many crypto exchanges are currently licensed by the Hong Kong SFC?

Twelve, with VDX’s approval bringing the total to 12.

How will VDX compete with incumbents like HashKey and OSL on liquidity and institutional access?

VDX must build market depth and institutional relationships; incumbents hold advantages in both, per AInvest’s analysis.