The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong has outlined a new Aspire route map for assets regulation. The statement of the agency gives a description of a framework that makes parameters for market input, investor protection and operational transparency in the digital assets space.
According to an SFC document, the plan introduces an “Aspire” approach of five pillar “Aspire” access, guarantees, products, infrastructure and relationships to take on the challenges that have a global market with a value of more than $ 3 trillion In 2024 worth more than $ 3 trillion worth more than $ 3 trillion.
The Roadmap outlines 12 initiatives designed to streamline the licenses for surplus trade and guardianship services, to adjust requirements for storage and technology and product categorization for institutional and retail participants.
The document explains that regulatory clarity will be expanded through new license regimes that invite global trading platforms and liquidity providers to operate under standardized rules. This approach applies the same company, the same risks, the same rules “principle that is already used in the virtual assets trading center of Hong Kong, which has issued licenses on nine platforms and has additional applications pending assessment.
Measures under the plan include the transition to technology-neutral, outcome-based standards for custody of assets, while the insurance and compensation frameworks are refined to tackle operational risks and reduce barriers for liquidity providers.
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During the current consensus Hong Kong 2025 conference, SFC CEO Julia Leung outlined how these initiatives will support the city’s strategy to settle as a hub for digital assets.
In related developments, the Hong Kong division of Standard Chartered, Animoca Brands and HKT have entered into a partnership to apply for a license to publish a Stablecoin with Hong Kong Dollar-Stunder Stablecoin. Furthermore, the new Capital Investment Devant scheme will appear open to accept cases in which cryptocurrencies serve as proof of wealth.
The strategy of the SFC corresponds to international efforts to unite regulatory standards, based on guidance from authorities such as the Financial Action Task Force and iOSCO.
The route map also emphasizes investor education and transparent involvement. By clarifying onboarding processes and product categorization, the SFC aims to create a market environment where retail and institutional investors can participate with improved trust. Improved supervision, reporting mechanisms and cooperation between authorities are an integral part of the plan, because the SFC works to detect irregularities and to manage risks in a fragmented liquidity landscape.
The route map sets a defined course for expanding the role of Hong Kong in digital assets regulation through the integration of regulatory measures that relate to compliance and market forces. The SFC stated that it will implement the outlined initiatives under its regulations principles.
