First Chinese-Funded Brokerage Gains Full Crypto Trading License in Hong Kong

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The world of digital finance is evolving rapidly, and institutional adoption of cryptocurrency continues to gain momentum. In a landmark development, Guotai Junan International (1788.HK), a subsidiary of the Guotai Haitong Group, has become the first mainland-funded securities firm to receive comprehensive authorization from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to offer virtual asset trading services.

On June 24, the SFC officially approved Guotai Junan International’s upgrade from a traditional securities license to one that includes virtual asset trading services and the provision of investment advice related to digital assets. This means clients can now directly trade major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), as well as stablecoins like Tether (USDT), on the firm’s regulated platform.

This milestone positions Guotai Junan International at the forefront of Hong Kong’s growing digital asset ecosystem, marking a significant leap in the integration of traditional finance and blockchain-based financial services.

A Strategic Move in Hong Kong’s Virtual Asset Roadmap

Guotai Junan International’s license expansion aligns with the SFC’s recently launched “A-S-P-I-Re” strategic framework for regulating and developing Hong Kong’s virtual asset market. The five pillars—Access, Safeguards, Products, Infrastructure, and Relationships—form a comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming Hong Kong into a globally trusted hub for digital asset liquidity and innovation.

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Under this framework, the SFC is driving initiatives to:

By granting Guotai Junan International a full-service virtual asset license, the SFC is demonstrating its commitment to building a secure, transparent, and future-ready financial ecosystem.

Full-Scope Virtual Asset Services Now Live

The newly upgraded license allows Guotai Junan International to provide a complete suite of virtual asset services, including:

This end-to-end capability makes it a one-stop solution for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors seeking regulated exposure to digital assets.

Moreover, being a mainland-affiliated broker adds another layer of significance. It signals growing confidence in Hong Kong’s regulatory clarity and reflects increasing acceptance of crypto within China’s broader financial influence sphere—albeit through offshore, compliant channels.

Why This Matters for Investors

For investors, this development means greater access to regulated, secure, and institutionally backed crypto trading environments. Unlike decentralized or unregulated platforms, Guotai Junan International operates under strict SFC oversight, ensuring:

These safeguards are critical as more traditional investors look to diversify into digital assets without compromising on security or compliance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does “full virtual asset license” mean?
A: It means Guotai Junan International is authorized by the SFC to offer end-to-end services including crypto trading, investment advice, and issuing crypto-linked financial products—all under regulatory supervision.

Q: Can mainland Chinese investors use this service?
A: While the service is based in Hong Kong and compliant with local regulations, mainland China currently restricts direct crypto trading. However, qualified offshore investors, including those from the Greater Bay Area or with international accounts, may access these services through compliant channels.

Q: Is trading Bitcoin and Ethereum safe on this platform?
A: Yes. As an SFC-regulated entity, Guotai Junan International must adhere to strict custody, risk management, and disclosure requirements, making it significantly safer than unregulated exchanges.

Q: How is this different from using a crypto-only exchange?
A: Traditional brokers like Guotai Junan integrate crypto into broader wealth management strategies. Clients benefit from professional advisory services, portfolio diversification, and seamless access to both traditional and digital markets—all within a single, regulated account.

Q: Are stablecoins like USDT supported?
A: Yes, the firm supports trading of major stablecoins such as Tether (USDT), which are essential for reducing volatility and facilitating efficient fund transfers within the crypto ecosystem.

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The Bigger Picture: Institutional Crypto Adoption Accelerates

Guotai Junan International’s move reflects a broader trend: traditional financial institutions are no longer on the sidelines of the crypto revolution. With clear regulations now in place in jurisdictions like Hong Kong, banks, brokers, and asset managers are stepping in with confidence.

This shift is driven by several factors:

As more firms follow suit, we can expect to see deeper integration between conventional finance and decentralized technologies—ushering in a new era of hybrid financial ecosystems.

Final Thoughts

Guotai Junan International’s achievement marks a turning point for Chinese-funded financial institutions entering the global crypto arena. By securing a full virtual asset license under Hong Kong’s robust regulatory framework, it sets a precedent for secure, compliant, and scalable digital asset services.

For investors, this means more trusted pathways to participate in the future of finance. And for the industry, it signals that the bridge between Wall Street-style finance and Web3 innovation is not only possible—it’s already being built.

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