Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission plans to open up crypto derivatives trading to promote compliance in the virtual asset market

Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is reportedly planning to allow professional investors to participate in cryptocurrency derivatives trading. This move is seen as an important step to promote the development of the local virtual asset market and enhance global competitiveness.

The crypto derivatives market has developed rapidly in recent years, with global trading volume reaching $21 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, far exceeding the $4.6 trillion in the spot market during the same period. If Hong Kong opens up this area, it will provide market participants with more abundant financial tools and improve overall liquidity and capital efficiency.

Sources pointed out that the relevant regulations will first apply to licensed virtual asset platforms and will only be available to professional investors with a certain risk tolerance to ensure transaction security and stable operation. It is generally believed in the industry that this move will make Hong Kong's virtual asset regulatory system more complete. Previously, the Hong Kong Legislative Council had just passed the "Stablecoin Regulatory Bill" to establish a legal framework for the issuance and operation of stablecoins, which also shows the government's attention and determination to the long-term development of virtual assets.

As regulatory policies become clearer, more and more traditional financial institutions and Web3 companies are accelerating their layout in Hong Kong. Some market analysts pointed out that if unified standards can be established for crypto derivatives and policy support can be obtained, Hong Kong may further consolidate its position as the "Asian Crypto Financial Center" in the global virtual asset trading landscape.

The industry also generally expects that the Hong Kong SFC will be able to balance compliance and prudence with market vitality in subsequent details, and provide institutional investors with legal and controllable operation paths for futures, options, perpetual contracts and other products. At the same time, this will also enhance Hong Kong's attractiveness in high-net-worth customers and cross-border digital asset services.