Securities and Futures Commission

Cryptocurrency

SFC Issues First Virtual Assets Licence in Almost Eight Months

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/02/2026

Victory Fintech and VDX Custody secure licences for trading and custody, with the group

Market Abuse

SFC Secures Record Settlement Over Takeover Code Breaches

By Editors | 17/02/2026

Units of Chow Tai Fook Group failed to make a mandatory general offer in 2016 and improperly lapsed a subsequent bid in 2022.

Structural Regulation

HKEX Considers Expanding Channel for Confidential IPO Filings – Report

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/02/2026

HKEX may allow traditional sector firms to file listing applications privately in a bid to enhance its competitiveness as a global IPO hub.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

FSS Imposes KRW 1.4T in Fines on Five Banks for ELS Mis-Selling

By Mark Johnston | 16/02/2026

South Korea's FSS reduced penalties from an initial KRW 1.9 trillion, lowering both fines and institutional sanctions after a third sanctions review hearing.

Structural Regulation

Hong Kong AFRC Demands IPO Audit Data Amid Quality Concerns

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/02/2026

AFRC orders auditors to report on IPO engagements and resources, warning of 'heightened scrutiny' amid a surge in listings.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

SFC Warns on 'Ramp and Dump' Scams Impersonating Stock Commentators

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

The SFC has alerted the public to stock manipulation schemes using social media to lure investors into illiquid stocks before crashing the price.

Cryptocurrency

UK FCA Files Lawsuit Against Asia-Linked Crypto Major HTX

By Manesh Samtani | 12/02/2026

HTX, formerly known as Huobi, which has deep roots in Asia, is accused of breaching financial promotion rules that came into effect in October 2023.

Cryptocurrency

SFC Unveils Rules for Crypto Margin Trading, Perps, and Market Making

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

The new measures, part of the ASPIRe roadmap, were announced at the Consensus 2026 conference and aim to boost liquidity for licensed crypto firms.

Supervision & Enforcement

SFC Secures HK$ 57.5m Compensation from Ex-Arta TechFin Directors

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/02/2026

Court also disqualifies nine former directors for breaches of duty in a case the SFC says sends an unequivocal message on corporate governance.