Hong Kong SFC Allows Licensed Crypto Platforms and Funds to Offer Staking with Safeguards

Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has released new guidelines allowing licensed virtual asset trading platforms to offer staking services. This move is part of the regulator's efforts to establish Hong Kong as a hub for crypto and virtual assets in the Asia-Pacific region. The announcement was made by SFC Executive Director Christina Choi during her keynote speech at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2025.

The guidelines mandate that platforms must implement specific safeguards to protect staked assets and require SFC approval before offering these services. Platforms are also required to disclose associated risks, including slashing penalties, unstacking processes, lock-up periods, and technical vulnerabilities.

In addition to trading platforms, authorized virtual asset funds are permitted to stake through licensed platforms or authorized institutions, with a cap to manage liquidity risks. This development follows Hong Kong's earlier initiatives to enhance market access and expand the range of virtual assets offered within its jurisdiction, including the launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs. A study projects that Hong Kong's digital asset market could exceed $700 billion within the year.

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