List of Licensed Virtual Asset Trading Platforms in Hong Kong 2026 | EX.IO
In Hong Kong, providing virtual asset trading services to the public requires, as a matter of principle, holding a licence from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). To judge whether a platform is licensed, do not look at advertisements, app ratings or self-descriptions of “application pending” — look only at the list published by the SFC.
Based on publicly available information as at August 2026, the SFC’s “List of licensed virtual asset trading platforms” records 13 operators that have been formally licensed. The list is updated from time to time; the table in this article is provided only to help readers understand the structure. For verification purposes, the [SFC’s official list](https://www.sfc.hk/en/Welcome-to-the-Fintech-Contact-Point/Virtual-assets/Virtual-asset-trading-platforms-operators/Lists-of-virtual-asset-trading-platforms) prevails.
Check a licence in 60 seconds: only three fields matter
1. Open the SFC’s “List of licensed virtual asset trading platforms”.
2. Check that three fields all match at the same time: the English/Chinese name of the licensed corporation, the platform’s display name, and the CE number.
3. Then go to the “Public Register of Licensed Persons and Registered Institutions” and confirm whether the regulated activities that the corporation may currently carry on include Type 1 (dealing in securities), Type 7 (providing automated trading services), and operating a virtual asset trading platform.
If the three fields do not match, do not transfer funds to that platform. The most common tactic of impersonation websites is a platform name that looks very similar, but with an incorrect company name or CE number.
Being licensed and “application pending” are not the same thing
The SFC also publishes a “list of applicants”. Appearing on the list of applicants only means that the company has submitted an application to the SFC; it does not mean that a licence has been granted, nor that it may lawfully operate or solicit business from the public in Hong Kong. The SFC has also expressly reminded the public that the purpose of the list of applicants is to allow the public to verify whether a platform has made false statements about its application status.
Therefore:
– “We have submitted our application to the SFC” ≠ licensed
– “deemed-to-be-licensed” is a historical status under the transitional arrangements and should not be understood as the same as a formal licence
– A major overseas exchange with brand presence in Hong Kong does not automatically mean it holds a Hong Kong VATP licence
The 13 licensed platforms on the public list in 2026 (explanatory note)
The following sets out the common fields of the public list for easy reference. The order follows the licence dates; it is neither a ranking nor a recommendation.
| Platform display name | Licensed corporation | CE number | Licence date (public list) |
| OSL Exchange | OSL Digital Securities Limited | BPJ213 | 2020-12-15 |
| HashKey Exchange | Hash Blockchain Limited | BPL992 | 2022-11-09 |
| HKVAX | Hong Kong Virtual Asset Exchange Limited | BPW549 | 2024-10-03 |
| HKbitEX | Hong Kong Digital Asset EX Limited | BPO721 | 2024-12-18 |
| Accumulus | Accumulus GBA Technology (Hongkong) Co., Limited | BUA970 | 2024-12-18 |
| DFX Labs | DFX Labs Company Limited | BUN619 | 2024-12-18 |
| EX.IO | EXIO Limited | BUT670 | 2024-12-18 |
| PantherTrade | Panthertrade (Hong Kong) Limited | BUY578 | 2025-01-27 |
| YAX | YAX (Hong Kong) Limited | BUT913 | 2025-01-27 |
| Bullish | Bullish HK Markets Limited | BUQ956 | 2025-02-18 |
| BGE | Hong Kong BGE Limited | BSI739 | 2025-06-17 |
| VDX | Victory Fintech Company Limited | BTF116 | 2026-02-13 |
| Bixin.com | NewBX Limited | BUY737 | 2026-05-18 |
Platforms licensed on the same day do not necessarily share the same product scope, client categories (retail/Professional Investors) or tradable assets. Licence conditions are set by the SFC individually for each platform and may be adjusted after the second-phase assessment.
Even after being licensed, a platform may still have its business scope restricted
On 18 December 2024, under its arrangement to expedite the processing of “deemed-to-be-licensed” applicants, the SFC formally licensed certain platforms, but stated publicly that some of them must first complete rectification following on-site inspections, and only once they satisfied the SFC in the second-phase assessment would the restrictions on their business scope be lifted.
What this means in practice for investors:
– Being “on the list” only proves that it is a licensed operator
– Whether it can serve retail clients, list a particular type of token, or carry on over-the-counter (OTC), custody or distribution activities depends on the platform’s licence conditions at the relevant time
– Do not infer from one platform’s permissions that another platform can do the same
EX.IO’s position on the list
EX.IO’s licensed corporation is EXIO Limited, CE number BUT670, which was added to the List of Licensed Virtual Asset Trading Platforms on 18 December 2024. The public register shows that its regulated activities include Type 1, Type 7 and operating a virtual asset trading platform.
When verifying, also check at the same time:
– whether the official website is https://www.ex.io
– whether the app developer/company name is EXIO Limited
– whether any receiving account, wallet address or “account manager” contact details can be verified through official channels
For the product categories a platform may offer and client eligibility, see “Who is EX.IO” and “What can Professional Investors do on a licensed VATP”.
Common misjudgements
Looking only at the brand, not the corporation. A group’s name, its overseas entities and the Hong Kong licensed corporation are often not the same company.
Treating insurance or cold wallet claims as a licence. Security measures are important, but they cannot replace an SFC licence.
Using “Hong Kong company incorporation” as a substitute for a financial licence. Incorporating a company in Hong Kong and being permitted to operate a virtual asset trading platform are two different things.
FAQ
Q: How many licensed VATPs are there in Hong Kong now?
A: The SFC’s public list prevails. Public compilations around August 2026 show 13 platforms. Please rely on the official page as at the date of your enquiry.
Q: Can apps that are not on the list be used?
A: If a platform operates in Hong Kong or actively markets virtual asset trading services to Hong Kong investors but is not on the licensed list, there is a risk of unlicensed operation. Do not deposit funds with a platform whose licence cannot be verified.
Q: Are platforms on the list of applicants “about to be licensed”?
A: No. An application may be approved, rejected, returned or withdrawn on the applicant’s own initiative. Until a platform is included on the licensed list, it should not be regarded as licensed.
Q: Do licensed platforms guarantee principal or returns?
A: No. A licence regulates the operator’s conduct and the arrangements for safeguarding client assets; it is not a guarantee of investment returns.
Q: Do retail clients and Professional Investors see the same products?
A: Usually not. The types of virtual assets that retail clients may trade are subject to stricter restrictions; most tokenised securities and private placement structures are available to Professional Investors only.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information and educational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation or advice in respect of any investment, legal, tax or product matter. Licence status, licence conditions and the services that may be provided prevail as set out in the SFC’s public register and the latest disclosures of the relevant platforms. Virtual assets and tokenised products are subject to significant price volatility and may result in the loss of principal.