The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong introduced a new strategy on February 19 aimed at improving oversight and expanding opportunities in the city’s virtual asset market.
The plan, called ASPIRe, focuses on five key areas: Access, Safeguards, Products, Infrastructure, and Relationships.
It includes 12 specific initiatives designed to make the market more accessible, enhance investor protection, introduce new crypto products, modernize regulation, and encourage collaboration with industry players.
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Executive Director of Intermediaries at the SFC, Dr. Eric Yip, emphasized:
This roadmap is not a final destination but a living blueprint, one that invites collective efforts to advance Hong Kong’s vision as a global hub where innovation thrives within guardrails.
One major part of the plan is to simplify market entry by setting clear licensing rules for crypto custodians and over-the-counter (OTC) trading platforms, as described in the Access pillar. At the same time, the Safeguards pillar introduces stronger investor protections, including stricter compliance requirements for exchanges and service providers.
Under the Products section, the SFC wants to expand the range of virtual assets available, including the introduction of new tokens and crypto-related derivatives. Meanwhile, the Infrastructure pillar focuses on improving market oversight by using technology to monitor activity and maintain integrity.
Collaboration is also a key aspect of the plan. The Relationships pillar encourages ongoing discussions between regulators and industry players to ensure rules remain clear and practical.
Meanwhile, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (AUSTRAC) recently took action against multiple money remittance services and crypto exchanges. How? Read the full story.
Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.
