Policy Events Tracked: 16
Jurisdictions Covered: 6
Last Updated: February 26, 2026
Q: Which APAC jurisdiction has the most progressive crypto exchange licensing framework?
A: Based on our policy tracking, Singapore and Hong Kong lead in crypto exchange licensing regulatory clarity. See the comparison below for details.
Q: What are the key trends in crypto exchange licensing across Asia-Pacific?
A: We've tracked 16 policy events across 6 jurisdictions. Major trends include regulatory harmonization efforts and increasing institutional adoption frameworks.
Q: How can I compare crypto exchange licensing requirements across jurisdictions?
A: Use our policy tracker to filter by topic and compare requirements side-by-side. Links to each jurisdiction below.
South Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC) firmly reconfirms controversial plan to cap major shareholder stakes at 15-20% for cryptocurrency exchanges. The Digital Asset Basic Act also mandates bank-led consortiums holding 50%+ stakes, strict liability rules for exchanges, and mandatory quarterly external audits. Implementation expected over 12-18 months, potentially reducing active exchanges from 35 to 15-20 compliant operators.
South Korea FSC lifts 9-year ban on corporate crypto trading. Approximately 3,500 companies and professional investors now permitted to trade top 20 cryptocurrencies by market cap on regulated exchanges. Strict 5% annual equity capital investment cap limits risk exposure. Move is part of broader digital growth strategy and expected to increase market liquidity.
Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has approved Victory Fintech for a crypto trading license, signaling renewed momentum in HKs push to become a digital asset hub. This approval continues the citys regulatory progress following the perpetual futures framework announced last week.
South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service grants critical exemption allowing crypto exchanges to delay market integrity reporting requirements. FSS continues AI-powered VISTA platform upgrades for real-time manipulation detection.
SFC CEO Julia Leung announces high-level framework allowing licensed platforms to offer crypto perpetual futures to institutional investors. New margin lending rules for virtual assets also introduced.
Korea Blockchain Association submitted formal letter to FSC on February 11, 2026 outlining concerns with proposed ownership caps for crypto exchange shareholders. Industry group represents major players in South Korea crypto sector and is pushing for regulatory reconsideration.
UK Financial Conduct Authority asks social media firms to block crypto exchange HTX (formerly Huobi) over illegal financial promotions to UK users. HTX restricted new UK registrations but existing users can still access unlawful promotions.
South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) announces stricter crypto regulations following Bithumb's accidental $44B Bitcoin giveaway. FSS calls for resolution of 'ghost coins' issue before cryptocurrencies can become legacy financial assets.
Bithumb accidentally sent 620,000 BTC ($44B) to 249 users. FSC convened emergency meeting, announced on-site inspections of crypto exchanges.
Stablecoin inflows on exchanges doubled to $100B during market sell-off, indicating institutional positioning.