Webinar | Hong Kong Regulation of VATP Operators & Latest Updates | 22 Sep 2025

This 22 September 2025 webinar describes Hong Kong's Virtual Asset Trading Platform (VATP) licensing regime under the Hong Kong Anti-Money Laundering Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO) and Hong Kong Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO). It outlines the scope of the regime, licence application requirements, and ongoing obligations including token reviews and AML compliance.

2025 updates to the regime include a streamlined application process, the ability to provide staking services subject to conditions, and more stringent custody protocols.

#HongKongVATPLicensingRegime2025 #SFCVirtualAssetStakingAndCustodyUpdates #CryptoTradingPlatformComplianceObligations #SFC #HongKongVATPs #AMLO #SFO

Timecodes:
0:00 Overview and Dual-Regime Framework
1:58 AMLO Licensing Scope and Active Marketing Prohibition
3:40 What Counts as a VATP and Service Scope Limits
5:22 Virtual Asset Definition and Exclusions
6:49 SFO Licensing Triggers and Offshore Marketing Ban
8:45 Regulatory Materials and Eligibility for Licensing
10:37 Financial Resources and Responsible Officers
12:05 Ownership, Fit-and-Proper Tests, and Manager-in-Charge
15:38 MIC Oversight, Premises Approval, and Record-Keeping
17:24 Streamlined Licensing and External Assessments
21:09 Licence Conditions, Reporting, and Service Changes
23:01 Token Admission Governance and Ongoing Monitoring
24:43 Due Diligence and Retail Token Admission Criteria
28:21 Retail Access Controls and Stablecoin Policy
30:01 Investor Segmentation and Qualified Corporate PIs
31:52 Product Restrictions and Prohibited Activities
33:40 Client Onboarding, Knowledge, and Suitability
37:07 Disclosures and Transparency Requirements
38:52 Custody Structure and Core Controls
42:21 August 2025 Custody Enhancements
44:24 Third-Party Wallet Oversight and Readiness
46:16 Compensation Arrangements and Coverage
48:04 AML/CFT Obligations and Travel Rule
50:04 Audit, Financial Reporting, and Approvals
51:36 Notifications and Regulatory Filings
53:32 Staking Services Conditions and Fund Participation
55:19 Continuous Professional Training Requirements
56:16 AMLO Offences for Non-Securities Virtual Assets
57:06 SFO Offences for Security Tokens and Offers
59:00 Disciplinary Powers and Court Remedies
1:00:16 Closing Remarks

Charltons Law Firm:
https://www.charltonslaw.com/

Julia Charlton
https://www.charltonslaw.com/the-firm/people-culture/team-profile/julia-charlton/

Don’t forget to follow our social media:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/2995759/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/charltons
Instagram: https://instagram.com/charltonslaw/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charltons-law
Spotify.Creators: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/charltons