**Hong Kong Expands Virtual Asset Trading Platforms**

The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has significantly increased its roster of approved virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs), adding four new firms: Accumulus GBA Technology, DFX Labs, Hong Kong Digital Asset EX, and Thousand Whales Technology. These platforms join existing ones like HashKey and OSL, following a rigorous licensing process.

The SFC's inspections focused on client asset protection, Know Your Customer protocols, and cybersecurity. The newly licensed exchanges must conduct vulnerability assessments before full operations. With 11 more VATPs in the pipeline, Hong Kong continues to bolster its virtual asset ecosystem.