Hong Kong Crypto Licence FAQ (SFC, HKMA)

Short answers on SFC-licensed crypto exchanges, deemed-to-be-licensed platforms, withdrawn applications and HKMA stablecoin licences.

Which crypto exchanges are licensed in Hong Kong?

13 virtual asset trading platforms are licensed by the SFC (read 21 Oct 2026), including OSL Exchange, HashKey Exchange and Bullish. Full list: SFC lists.

Is “deemed to be licensed” the same as licensed?

No. The SFC: “deemed-to-be-licensed VATP applicants are NOT formally licensed by the SFC” (statement). 2 applicants are in that position.

Is Bybit licensed in Hong Kong?

No. Spark Fintech Limited (Bybit) is on the SFC's list of applicants (applied 6 June 2025). An earlier application was withdrawn on 31 May 2024 (SFC).

Is OKX licensed in Hong Kong?

No. OKX Hong Kong FinTech Company Limited withdrew its application on 24 May 2024 and is on no other SFC list.

Is Binance licensed in Hong Kong?

No Binance company is on the SFC's lists of trading platforms or the HKMA register (read 21 Oct 2026).

Who can issue stablecoins in Hong Kong?

Licensed issuers only. The HKMA has licensed 2 stablecoin issuers: Anchorpoint Financial Limited and HSBC, effective 10 April 2026 (register).

What is the SFC alert list?

The SFC's list of entities and websites it warns about. Its category of suspicious virtual asset trading platforms has 67 entries (all of them).

Where can I check a platform?

The SFC lists of virtual asset trading platforms, the HKMA register and the SFC alert list. Our table lets you search by platform or company name.