Complete list of licensed Virtual Asset Trading Platforms (VATPs)
These platforms have received full VATP licenses from the SFC:
| Platform | License Date | License Type | Retail Access | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSL Digital Securities | Dec 2020 | Type 1 & 7 + VATP | Retail ✓ | osl.com |
| HashKey Exchange | Nov 2023 | Type 1 & 7 + VATP | Retail ✓ | hashkey.com |
| HKVAX | Jun 2024 | VATP | Pro Only | hkvax.com |
| HKbitEX | Jun 2024 | VATP | Pro Only | hkbitex.com |
| Accumulus | Jun 2024 | VATP | Pro Only | accumulus.io |
| DFX Labs | Jun 2024 | VATP | Pro Only | dfxlabs.com |
| Hong Kong Digital Asset Exchange (HKD.com) | Jun 2024 | VATP | Pro Only | hkd.com |
| Thousand Whales Technology | Jun 2024 | VATP | Pro Only | - |
| PantherTrade | Jun 2024 | VATP | Retail ✓ | panthertrade.io |
| Victory Fintech (VDX) | Feb 2026 | VATP | Pro Only | vdx.trade |
These platforms applied before the June 2024 deadline and are operating under transitional arrangements. They must obtain full licenses or cease operations by the regulatory deadline.
| Platform | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OKX Hong Kong | Deemed Licensed | Application under review |
| Crypto.com | Deemed Licensed | Application under review |
| Bybit Hong Kong | Deemed Licensed | Application under review |
| Gate.HK | Deemed Licensed | Application under review |
| BitTrade | Deemed Licensed | Application under review |
| Bullish | Deemed Licensed | Application under review |
| + 5 additional platforms with deemed license status | ||
| Platform | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| HKVAEX (Huobi-related) | Withdrawn | May 2024 |
| Gate.HK (original) | Withdrawn & Reapplied | 2024 |
| Several other applications withdrawn before deadline | ||
| Metric | Count |
|---|---|
| Total Applications Received (2023-2024) | 30+ |
| Fully Licensed (Feb 2026) | 10 |
| Deemed Licensed (transitional) | 11 |
| Withdrawn/Rejected | 10+ |
| Retail Trading Approved | 3 |
| Professional Investors Only | 7 |
As of February 2026, there are 10 fully SFC-licensed Virtual Asset Trading Platforms (VATPs) in Hong Kong, plus 11 platforms operating under deemed license (transitional arrangements). Only 3 platforms have retail investor access.
No. Binance is not licensed by the SFC in Hong Kong and has not applied for a license. Hong Kong residents should only use SFC-licensed platforms for crypto trading.
Only 3 platforms have been approved for retail investor access:
Other licensed platforms are limited to professional investors only (≥HKD 8 million portfolio).
SFC-licensed platforms can only list tokens that pass their due diligence process. Generally available:
Privacy coins and unregistered security tokens are not permitted.
Get notified when new licenses are issued or regulations change.
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Last Updated: February 26, 2026
Source: SFC Public Register, SFC Announcements
Disclaimer: This list is for informational purposes. Always verify license status directly with the SFC before trading.