The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has issued its first operating licenses for 2025. Two platforms, PantherTrade and YAX, became the first regulated companies to be licensed annually as of January 27. As in Hong Kong, only Bitcoin, Ether, #LINK and #AVAX transactions are currently allowed.
The first crypto licenses of 2025 were issued in Hong Kong, which has taken important steps towards becoming a crypto center in the world with the regulations launched in the last 2 years. Regulator SFC issued crypto transaction licenses to PantherTrade and YAX. Both companies received their licenses for the prevention of money laundering and terrorism.
Currently, the necessary licenses of a total of 10 exchanges in Hong Kong were known. In 2024, the SFC aimed to provide licenses to 11 more exchanges, but this did not happen. Again, it was seen quickly in 2025.
In Hong Kong, which is seen as China’s gateway to the world of crypto, only Bitcoin, Ethereum, Avalanche and Chainlink transactions are legally allowed. The SFC aims to make Hong Kong a crypto hub by increasing standards in the sector, but its biggest competitor, Singapore, is still far ahead in this area.
Like the SFC, high standards are set in the licensing process, with a heavy emphasis on compromising on customer asset protection and KYC pieces and cybersecurity measures.
