#HKSFCUnveilsNewDigitalAssetRules Hong Kong Strengthens Its Position as a Regulated Crypto Hub

On February 11, 2026, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) released new rules and guidelines aimed at revitalizing the city’s digital asset market. Under the updated framework, licensed virtual asset brokers (VA brokers) are now permitted to offer VA-backed margin financing, allowing assets such as Bitcoin and Ether to be used as collateral — but only under strict risk management protocols and investor suitability assessments.
In addition, the SFC announced a high-level framework for leveraged products, including perpetual contracts, on licensed virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs). These products will be available exclusively to professional investors and will include safeguards such as leverage limits, margin requirements, liquidation mechanisms, and transparency rules, ensuring that risks are carefully managed while supporting responsible market growth.
These measures reflect the SFC’s broader ASPIRe Roadmap, which has been guiding Hong Kong’s digital asset strategy since 2025. By integrating traditional finance practices with regulated crypto infrastructure, the SFC aims to increase market liquidity, attract professional investors, and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a leading regulated crypto hub in Asia.
Overall, these regulations represent a major step toward creating a secure, transparent, and professional digital asset ecosystem, positioning Hong Kong as a model for regulated crypto markets worldwide.