Hong Kong SFC Chairman: 'Announcing Virtual Asset Roadmap Today - Balancing Innovation, Security, and Growth' [Consensus Hong Kong 2025]

Julia Leung, Chairman of Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), stated that they will spare no effort in regulatory support for virtual asset (cryptocurrency) innovation.

Speaking at Consensus Hong Kong 2025 held at the Hong Kong Convention Centre (HKCEC) on the 19th (local time), Chairman Julia Leung emphasized the need to maintain innovation based on responsible regulation.

Julia Leung said, "Hong Kong quickly recognized the differences between virtual assets and securities, and swiftly established a separate regulatory framework. We need 'Responsible Innovation' where innovation and regulation play complementary roles."

She also mentioned that market development would progress faster if traditional financial institutions participate in the Web3 industry based on a transparent environment. She stated, "Based on clarity, certainty, and consistency, we are encouraging existing financial institutions to participate in the virtual asset market, supporting the 'convergence' of traditional finance and the virtual asset market. When traditional financial institutions participate, trust and efficiency in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and asset custody will improve."

Furthermore, she announced that they will support the growth of Web3 companies operating in Hong Kong through the Virtual Asset Roadmap to be announced this afternoon.

Julia Leung said, "Global talents in Web3 and finance are gathering in Hong Kong. We are establishing a growth-focused regulatory framework, and will reveal more specific strategies through the virtual asset roadmap to be announced this afternoon."

She added that they plan to proceed with △virtual asset custody △stablecoins △Over-the-Counter (OTC) trading legislation △staking △derivatives △margin lending service expansion △wallet policy adjustment △custody provider insurance standard review △regulatory compliance process optimization.