Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has awarded a virtual asset trading platform licence to crypto-native firm NewBX, the city's 13th such grant as authorities push to institutionalize digital finance.
Hong Kong Grants 13th Digital Asset Trading Licence to NewBX
21 May 2026 - 08:35 CEST
NewBX's parent, Bixin Group, was founded in 2014 and previously operated a mining pool and hardware wallets. The firm will conduct exchange trading in Hong Kong after receiving approval for Type 1 and Type 7 regulated activities and a virtual asset service provider licence, with an effective date of 18 May. Type 1 covers dealing in securities; Type 7 covers automated trading services.
Just two such licences have been issued this year, with Victory Fintech approved in February. The firm builds digital infrastructure for traditional financial institutions seeking to offer cryptocurrency services to clients.
Some observers have criticised the slow pace of expansion and stablecoin licencing. Only two stablecoin issuer licences were granted in April, to HSBC and a Standard Chartered venture.
Regulators have cited consumer safety, anti-money laundering compliance, and custody and insurance requirements as priorities.
