- SFC’s new rules allow staking by approved crypto platforms and funds.
- Staking must follow strict transparency and risk disclosure requirements.
- Updated rules form part of SFC’s five-pillar regulatory crypto roadmap.
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission has printed new rules for staking services offered by licensed crypto platforms. The announcement was made during a keynote speech by SFC Executive Director Christina Choi at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival. These new rules apply to virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) and authorized virtual asset funds (VAFs) operating under the country’s legal framework.
The latest update comes as part of Hong Kong’s broader plan to develop a structured approach to digital asset regulation. The SFC has now introduced detailed guidelines allowing regulated crypto firms to offer staking services. These services must follow specific compliance measures that prioritize transparency and asset safety. The regulator emphasized that clear disclosure of risks is a requirement for any platform providing such services.
Staking Services Recognized Within Regulated Crypto Framework
The SFC stated that staking contributes to blockchain network security and enables yield opportunities in a regulated environment. According to the regulator, this move is part of a five-pillar framework aimed at shaping the virtual asset landscape in Hong Kong. Besides this, it enables VATPs to diversify their offerings while adhering to the outlined rules.
Authorized virtual asset funds can also provide staking services, as long as they meet the conditions set in the guidance. These conditions are designed to protect client assets and maintain market confidence. The SFC’s Chief Executive Officer confirmed that safeguarding client virtual assets remains a top priority.
The new policy forms one of the first major steps in formalizing the staking ecosystem within the region. Platforms must align their services with all the standards detailed by the SFC. The guidance mandates transparency, client protection, and full risk disclosures before staking services can be introduced.
SFC Pushes Forward With Five-Pillar Regulatory Roadmap
The updated staking rules are part of the SFC’s five-part roadmap targeting regulated digital asset development. The broader strategy aims to build a compliant and sustainable virtual asset market in Hong Kong. The roadmap also seeks to create a safe space for new services and technological advancements.
The release follows growing regulatory activity around the world. After Donald Trump’s re-election in the United States, several countries started revisiting their crypto rules. Consequently, stablecoin regulations in the U.S. and other jurisdictions are now progressing under revised frameworks. Hong Kong is aligning itself with this global trend by expanding its crypto policies with defined service guidelines.
Through this effort, the SFC has made staking an approved activity under-regulated operations, provided platforms follow the guidance. Platforms must implement internal systems that meet the risk management rules detailed in the SFC document. In addition, they must ensure clients are informed of possible risks before using staking services.
The SFC’s updated framework does not permit staking outside the regulated scope or through non-licensed entities. This ensures consistency with the country’s overall crypto policy. Besides regulating VATPs, the SFC also outlined steps for VAFs to offer staking while meeting investor protection obligations. This measure adds structure to the growing virtual asset ecosystem in Hong Kong.
