According to BlockBeats, on December 18, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission issued licenses to four virtual asset trading platform applicants that were deemed to have been licensed according to the expedited licensing procedure. The four virtual asset trading platform applicants are Cloud Account Greater Bay Area Technology (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd., DFX Labs Company Limited, Hong Kong Digital Asset Trading Group Co., Ltd. and Thousand Whales Technology (BVI) Limited. The SFC is reviewing the remaining applications with the same expedited licensing procedure.

Dr. Yip Chi-hang, Executive Director of the Intermediaries Department of the SFC, said: "The SFC has been proactively communicating with senior management and ultimate controllers of virtual asset trading platforms. This helps us clarify the regulatory standards they should meet and speed up the licensing process for virtual asset trading platforms. The SFC is committed to striking a balance between safeguarding the interests of investors and promoting the continued development of Hong Kong's virtual asset ecosystem." (Sina Finance)