Diginex receives a virtual asset advisory license in Hong Kong

Digital asset management company

The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has granted a Tier 1 (Securities Trading) and Tier 4 (Securities Advisory) license to Diginex Limited, a subsidiary of Diginex Group, making it one of the first entities permitted to offer virtual asset advisory services under the city’s updated legal framework for cryptocurrency-related activities.

This approval, confirmed through the SFC's public register and reported by numerous Hong Kong financial media outlets on January 16, 2026, allows Diginex to provide regulated investment advisory services on virtual assets (including cryptocurrencies, tokenized securities, and stablecoins) to both professional and individual investors — subject to stringent requirements for suitability, disclosure, and risk warning.

This license builds upon previous SFC approvals for Diginex (Title 1 & Title 4 for traditional securities) and positions the company as a pioneer in connecting traditional asset management with exposure to regulated digital assets in one of Asia's most advanced regulatory environments.

Strategic legal framework in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has emerged as a leading jurisdiction for regulated cryptocurrency operations, particularly after the implementation of a licensing framework that clearly defines who can provide trading, custody, and advisory services. Unlike more lenient markets, Hong Kong's system prioritizes investor protection, transparency, and governance, making obtaining a license more difficult and valuable once granted.

Virtual asset advisory licenses allow companies to legally advise clients on digital asset investments, portfolio building, and risk management—services increasingly required by institutions in the face of cryptocurrency risks. Since 2023, Hong Kong has actively positioned itself as Asia's leading regulated cryptocurrency hub:

• Fully implemented the licensing regime for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) (June 2023)

• Approval of Asia's first spot Bitcoin & Ethereum ETFs (April 2024)

• Clear guidance for tokenized securities and stablecoins (2024–2025)

• The Hong Kong Securities and Exchange Commission (SFC) recently emphasized the integration of asset management — encouraging licensed firms to incorporate virtual assets into advisory services.

Diginex's license is part of a broader effort to bring cryptocurrencies into mainstream asset management under strict investor protection rules, a stark contrast to mainland China's absolute ban.

Our review

Diginex's dual Tier 1 and Tier 4 licensing for virtual asset advisory services marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong's evolution from cryptocurrency experimentation to the integration of professionally regulated asset management. By enabling professional, compliant digital asset advisory services, the Hong Kong Securities and Exchange Commission (SFC) is creating a clear roadmap for high-net-worth individuals and institutions in Asia to safely and transparently enter the cryptocurrency market.

As crypto assets, stablecoins, and cryptocurrency ETFs continue to gain traction, licensed advisory firms like Diginex are poised to capture a significant share of the next wave of investment capital. This approval is not only a win for Diginex but also a clear signal that properly regulated cryptocurrency asset management in Asia has officially arrived.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is the author's personal opinion in the field of cryptocurrency. This is not financial or investment advice. All investment decisions should be based on careful consideration of your personal portfolio and risk tolerance. The views expressed in this article do not represent the official stance of the platform. We recommend that readers conduct their own research and consult with experts before making any investment decisions.

Compiled and analyzed by HCCVenture

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