Hong Kong SFC Licenses BGE as 11th Virtual Asset Trading Platform

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong has granted a virtual asset trading platform (VATP) license to Hong Kong BGE Limited (BGE), marking it as the 11th platform to receive regulatory approval in the city.

The approval, effective June 17, 2025, aligns with Hong Kong’s accelerated efforts to regulate and expand its virtual asset ecosystem, as outlined in recent legislative updates.

A Milestone for Hong Kong’s Crypto Regulation

The SFC’s licensing of BGE, a subsidiary of HKE Holdings Limited (HKEX: 1726), underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering a robust and regulated cryptocurrency market. According to the SFC’s official list of licensed virtual asset trading platforms, BGE was formally approved on June 17, 2025, joining established platforms like HashKey and OSL.

The list, accessible via the SFC’s Fintech Contact Point, confirms BGE’s compliance with stringent regulatory standards, including safe custody of assets, know-your-client (KYC) processes, and cybersecurity measures.

The SFC’s licensed VATP count has now reached 11, with nine additional applications under review.

This development follows remarks by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po on June 16, 2025, expressing optimism about Hong Kong’s potential to become a global hub for stablecoin issuance. In his blog, Chan highlighted the growing demand for stablecoins and noted that the Stablecoin Issuance and Regulation Ordinance, effective August 1, 2025, will streamline licensing for virtual asset activities, fostering innovation and financial stability.

BGE: A New Player in Hong Kong’s Fintech Landscape

Hong Kong BGE Limited, incorporated in 2011, is a fintech-focused company under HKE Holdings, a Hong Kong-listed group aiming to lead in diversified financial technology services across the Asia-Pacific region.

Following the announcement of BGE’s license approval, its parent company HKE Holdings’ share price surged from HKD 1.3 to a high of HKD 2.3, reflecting a remarkable increase of 76.92%.

BGE specializes in developing market analytical data services for capital markets, covering listed secuities, bonds, and alternative assets, with its VATP operations focusing on secure and compliant digital asset trading.

At the October 30, 2023 DACOM HK Summit, held during Hong Kong FinTech Week, BGE’s Senior Compliance Manager Martin Hau participated as a panelist in the “Compliance On‑ and Off‑chain – How Crypto is Changing Compliance, and Vice Versa” session—alongside industry leaders from BitMEX, FalconX, and others—underscoring BGE’s commitment to building trust and transparency in the crypto sector.

Hong Kong’s Ambition as a Global Crypto Hub

BGE’s approval as the 11th licensed virtual asset trading platform (VATP) on June 17, 2025, underscores Hong Kong’s drive to become a global crypto hub.

With nine VATP applications still under review, and Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po’s June 16, 2025, blog post highlighting the fast-tracked Stablecoin Issuance and Regulation Ordinance—effective August 1, 2025—more approvals are anticipated soon.

Hong Kong’s policies, including tax incentives for fintech innovation and support for blockchain development under the Web3 framework, reinforce its commitment to fostering a secure and vibrant virtual asset ecosystem.