SFC publishes lists of virtual asset trading platforms

The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong, SFC, has issued a press statement to inform that it has now released the previously announced lists (EventID 23115) of virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) in an effort to ensure transparency and clear and timely dissemination of information to (potential) investors. These lists include the names and relevant dates of
– licensed VATPs,
– VATPs that have applied for registration,
– VATPs whose licence applications have been returned, refused, or withdrawn,
– VATPs that have been requested or requested on their own the close-down of operations,
– deemed licensed VATPs up to June 1, 2024 (in view of the transitional phase for qualifying existing VATPs granted by the regulator to register with the SFC).
Also, the SFC has launched its new list of suspicious platforms.
In this context, the SFC reminds of the fact that applicant firms are not licensed yet and that – based solely on the listing on the „applicant“ list – it CANNOT be concluded that such firms meet the regulatory requirements of the SFC. Furthermore, VATPs intending to seek a license from the SFC should ensure that their applications are thoroughly completed and include all required information and documents, including external assessment reports. Incomplete applications will be returned by the SFC, and the name of the respective VATP applicant will be taken off the VATP applicants list and added to the list of removed VATP applicants.